Alexa Singer - Candidate for Select Board

Marblehead Beacon is presenting these candidate profiles in advance of our June 21 town elections with the goal of helping the community learn more about all of the individuals volunteering their time to run for public office. Please note that the answers included here are printed exactly as provided by each candidate, with only minor typographical edits. Marblehead Beacon does not endorse any candidate or validate any responses. All candidates for the Select Board, Town Moderator, Board of Health, Light Department, and School Committee who had available contact information were given the opportunity to respond to a set of questions specific to the office for which they are running.

What is your professional experience, including handling budgets, and how has your background prepared you to serve on the Select Board?

I am a tenured professor, Department Chair and Chief Pilot for Aviation Management and Pilot degree programs. I have experience with federal and state regulations, recruitment, union contracts, pensions, finance, and grants. I have started a successful aviation business and served as the co-owner. I managed the employees, finances, and payroll. I served many years in different leadership positions.

If you are currently serving on the Select Board, what do you believe are your most significant accomplishments thus far?

Some of the accomplishments I would highlight are as follows:

• Establishment of a Select Board town email address to allow for citizens to have direct access.
• Research, training, and advocating for hybrid technology for remote and in-person meetings.
• Continued work on the action plan for Marblehead’s Climate Vision.
• Advocating for infrastructure repairs and a prioritized action plan.
• Always prepared for meetings and not afraid to ask tough questions.
• Approachable and available to community members.

What are your top priorities to accomplish this year if re-elected to the Select Board?

• Continue the work for remote and in-person meetings.
• Develop the action plan for Marblehead’s Climate Vision.
• Advocating for infrastructure repairs.
• Working towards a long-term plan as we address our future financial needs.

Has the Select Board done a good job communicating with and inviting feedback from the community? Would you make any changes?

The Select Board started a Town of Marblehead social media presence in 2021. Due to staffing changes this was put on hold but will be reenergized with a new administrator. Town- wide surveys are a great way to gather data but they need to have a statistically significant participation level to help guide the Select Board. Use of effective social media platforms, emails, forums, feedback forms, and the town website will all enhance communication.

Has the Select Board done a good job with hiring and appointing members to serve our community? What needs improvement in this arena?

The Select Board recently hired a Town Administrator after a very thorough process. The selection committee was knowledgeable and invested in the process. As we continue to recruit volunteers and make appointments in the future the focus needs to be on inviting and welcoming new members of our community to participate.

Do you believe that override questions should be presented to the community as a menu of spending choices with the option to prioritize, or should all items be combined to pass or fail together?

The process of introducing an override consists of analyzing many options and engaging with the citizens. Departments will present their priorities along with opportunities for public engagement. Each override is unique and the best method of presentation can vary.

Do you believe the members of the Select Board should serve for one-year terms or should the terms be longer? Should there be term limits for this role?

I believe a two or three year term is more appropriate. The disadvantage of a one-year term is the inability to complete committee work, long term projects, and execute important tasks within the short time frame. Term limits are something to consider.

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