CUSHING — Michael James has announced his candidacy for Seat No. 3 on the Town of Cushing select board during the March 21 elections. 

The “very young” 68-year-old and his wife, Sherry, have owned the land their home sits on since 2003. 

“Before we retired we started looking for a place to live, preferably on a ‘coast of somewhere beautiful,” Michael James said. “We found that place here in Cushing! In 2006 to 2007 we built our home for retirement on this land. We would visit often and after we retired we finally moved here permanently in 2018. Needless to say it was the best move of our lives. We enjoy the new friendships that have developed over these last few years and find that most everyone is incredibly friendly.”

He and Sherry have three adult children, four grandchildren and two grand dogs. 

James grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey and studied finance at Glassboro State Collage, now known as Rowan University.

Before starting his own mortgage company in 1994, James worked for banks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While owning his own business, he was involved in hiring and training administrative personnel and loan officers. He also oversaw accounting controls with regard to employee salaries and office expenses, supervised mortgage processing and was responsible for marketing and new business. He negotiated, prepared and presented financial proposals profitable to his company and acceptable to his clients. He also set monthly budget objectives with my employees for expenses and forecasting mortgage volume.

“By winning this Selectman’s seat I hope to bring my expertise in finance to keep our taxes low by being fiscally responsible with our tax dollars while at the same time maintaining our services to you, the Cushing citizen,” he said. “And while not opposed to change I truly believe that slow but steady wins the race. Therefore I will always be available and open to fresh new ideas that will enhance our living experience in our town of Cushing. It is my desire to give back to our community.”