My name is Jenna Lookner and I am running for Camden Select Board. I grew up in Camden and attended college in Massachusetts. I presently live on Pearl Street with my husband, Ethan. As some may know, I am seeking the seat occupied by my father, Leonard Lookner, prior to his sudden passing on February 5.

While I have tremendous respect for the potential opportunity to carry out his legacy as an elected official, I am also seeking this seat on the Camden Select Board for a variety of additional reasons.

First and foremost, it would be my distinct honor to serve the community that I grew up in, and returned to following college, striving successfully to build a life and career in the town I love. At 34, I feel I am able to relate to many of the issues and concerns regarding Camden’s economy, those very same issues that are plaguing the entire state of Maine in its quest to attract and retain young professionals.

My background in political science, journalism, nonprofit management, and public relations renders me well-equipped to fill this vacancy on the board, and to contribute to governing in a thoughtful, dedicated, precise and productive manner.

As a former community reporter assigned to municipalities including Camden, I have had the unique experience of researching, learning, attending, analyzing, and reporting on the business of the town. As an unbiased observer, I have learned to listen and gather facts, allowing me to understand the numerous sides of an issue. If I am chosen as one of your representatives, I will not engage in governance by conjecture, simply fact-based decision making that benefits the community and constituents to the best of my ability.

If elected, I will make it my mission to always be available to my constituents, and to listen with an open mind to all factions of the community, facilitating outstanding communication. I will dedicate myself to thoroughly and thoughtfully conveying the concerns of Camden’s residents, as well as fostering an open dialogue with all.

Additionally, I would like to work in concert with existing bodies to create a committee to assist potential business startups with navigating the zoning and ordinances that have proven prohibitive and frustrating to business owners — and prospective business owners — in the past. This will better prepare those interested in doing business in Camden when they come before the Select Board, and will extend an invitation to those interested in joining our business community, rather than continuing to build on Camden’s burgeoning reputation as a difficult town to do business in.

I am acutely aware that issues, including the important recent concerns regarding the redevelopment budget for The Camden Snow Bowl, will be resounding topics throughout the election and afterward. I look forward to better understanding the financial management practices that lead to the discoveries uncovered in the recent audit of Snow Bowl finances. That said, my interest lies primarily in examining how these financial practices occurred, and assisting in the implementation of a better management structure, one which ensures transparency and accountability.

I chose to move back to Camden in 2008, and have been fortunate to enjoy the amenities offered in this great community. The Camden I know is a town, for certain, but is is a community first and foremost. My father opened the Waterfront restaurant in 1978 with his business partner, Sam Appleton, and I grew up in a small business family, watching legions of individuals

find work and support at the restaurant. This is the Camden I know and treasure. The Camden I returned to.

That stated, demographic data cannot be ignored, and we need to do all we can to create a community that is open and inviting in order to provide opportunities for young families and individuals. As a renter, I am acutely aware of the issues with affordable housing in Camden, and I feel our job market, and our ability to attract and retain younger residents, suffers greatly for it. These are complex issues that dovetail in a manner that has the power to assist or hinder us as a community.

With open minds, better communication, progressive thinking, and collaboration across demographics, I believe we have the tools to create a thriving economic community without compromising our community values or our historic aesthetic. I enthusiastically believe that with new perspective and energy on the Select Board, in addition to the encouragement of community input, this can occur.

At this time, elected candidates will have the opportunity to sit on the board with one of Camden’s long serving selectmen, John French, as he finishes what he has stated will be his last term. We are at a unique juncture, and there is much knowledge to be gleaned from dedicated community officials like Mr. French as a new, and necessary, era begins in Camden’s government. I truly look forward to the opportunity to represent the citizens of Camden, and to bring a new, enthusiastic, and curious voice and perspective to the board.

In the spirit of fostering outstanding communication, I would like to offer my personal email and cell phone to those interested in contacting me directly. My cell phone number is (617) 894-5766, and my email address is jenna.lookner@gmail.com.