Fourteen candidates are running for nine seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. The Gazette emailed questions to all the candidates asking them about their reasons for running, qualifications, and to speak to the unique mission of the 41-year-old regional planning agency.

Myron Garfinkle
Town: West Tisbury
Occupation: Retired businessman, chairman, Martha’s Vineyard 
Airport Commission

Reason for Running

As an active outdoorsman, I am exposed to the natural beauty of our Island on a daily basis. I bring a fresh perspective coupled with a love and appreciation for our Island culture and heritage. I feel strongly about protecting and preserving the Island’s uniqueness and beauty for future generations. My business knowledge combined with my community service experience and my love for the Island puts me in a unique position to make a significant contribution on the MVC.

Qualifications

I have been actively involved with community service on the Island since moving to the Vineyard full time. For eight years, I volunteered at the Island Elderly Housing community. Through yoga and meditation at the Island House of Corrections, I touched and changed many lives. I assisted in major fundraising for the West Tisbury Library. Most recently, as chairman of the airport commission, I was instrumental in changing the culture at the airport and building a strong team that is service focused. Longer-term, I am working on a new master plan and making major improvements to the airport business park.

As a result of my extensive experience in business and community service, I bring a solid skill set, both personal and practical, combined with the focus needed to accomplish projects. Lastly, I have a keen ability to assess and identify strategies to bring about positive change (e.g. increased communication, team-building, financial health).

Commission’s Unique Mission

The Island is fortunate to have a vehicle like the MVC comprised of Islanders who care enough about their community to volunteer their time. Looking at the commission from the outside it is possible to consider effective ways to make improvements. As our culture and economy grow, it is incumbent on us to examine ways to adapt our perspective to protect intelligent growth and to respond in a thoughtful and timely manner. The Island is faced with different challenges today than 20 years ago. A fresh perspective would provide a new lens to examine those challenges and opportunities. As a new member of the MVC, I feel I can bring that perspective to the commission.

Available Time Commitment

As much as it takes.