Re-Elect Erin Noonan
Moving Marblehead Forward.
Scroll down to read more about Erin’s Story and Ideas
Hi, I’m Erin Noonan
I am seeking re-election to the Select Board on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. This is a critical election as our town government confronts its structural deficit. There is also much work to do to implement the recommendations of our housing production, economic recovery, harbor and coastal resiliency plans – which set forth great vision but will need courage and leadership to bring about. I am eager to continue the work that I began last year and be a part of a strong leadership on the Select Board.
I’m a mother of three children in MHD schools and have been a practicing attorney for 15 years. My legal areas of practice are in civil litigation, child welfare law, and appellate advocacy. If you’ve attended board meetings, you know that I am not afraid to ask the hard questions, have transparent discussions, and or vote in opposition to the majority of board members when I have a different view. You can read my full bio by clicking the button below.
Priority Issues
Financial Health: : This upcoming year is absolutely critical. Marblehead has had a long-standing structural deficit and its reliance on "free cash" has run out. In recent years, we have been using around $8-$10M in free cash annually to balance the town's $102M budget. This year, we have a $2.5M shortfall to level-service the Town and a Prop 2 1/2 override on the ballot to stabilize revenues while the town government prepares a longer-term solution. The Select Board needs to present a real multi-year strategic solution to the voters of this town next year. Securing the long-term financial health of Marblehead is going to take proactive leadership. It will require us to find the perfect balance between leveraging strategic new growth while keeping the character of our town and the level of services residents deserve. It will mean healthy oversight and routine reviews to ensure maximum operational efficiency across our departments. We need to evaluate if there are areas to outsource or cost-share with neighboring towns. We need to make smart investments that create great returns, like the Sustainability Coordinator position we are funding for next year.
Climate Change: We are a coastal community and urgently need to plan how we will protect our harbors, shoreline, and natural resources from the imminent threat of climate change. We continue to see patterns of seasonal storms that damage our town and are an economic and environmental threat. This will include making capital investments and operational changes to ensure that Marblehead will continue to exist as we know it for future generations and provide cost savings for future climate impact.
Housing Needs: I want our children to be able to return to town to live and raise their families! For far too many of our residents, their children will not be able to do so. We need more diverse housing options in Marblehead: condos for seniors looking to downsize without having to leave town as they transition to a fixed-income, apartments for young adults looking to move out of their parents’ houses, affordable first homes for young families, homes with in-law apartments to support multi-generational families with aging parents or for homeowners who find themselves with extra space.
“Erin’s work on the Vote Yes for MHD Kids ballot initiative was inspired. She met every bump along the way with further determination, heart and ideas. ”
— Kate Schmeckpeper, Vote Yes for MHD Kids CoChair
How to Vote
The Board of Selectmen election will be held on Tuesday, June 20th.
You can learn about your voting location or vote by mail options here.