04/29/2026
Meet The Select Board Candidates
May 6th, 7PM
Sorrento Community Building
Town of Sorrento - Candidates Questionnaire:
1) Introduction: your name, age, education, occupation:
• Charles Bennett, 33
• Summer High School
• Commercial Fisherman, Lobster and Lobster Bait Dealer
2) Any experience in any Town government? And have you ever served on any elected or appointed Boards or Committees (including non-profits) anywhere?
• Assisted periodically with the 2025 Comprehensive Plan
• Marine working group for the Maine Climate Council
3) Why did you decide to run for Sorrento Select Board?
I grew up in Sorrento and lived here my entire adult life. I’ve chosen to raise my family here and make a living here in town, I’d like to become a bigger part of my community and help our town thrive.
4) What do you think are the biggest challenges (or issues) facing Sorrento (both short and long term)?
Short Term
I think there is a disconnect or misunderstanding between the local/long term residents and the newer/seasonal residents. I hope to bridge the gap between these two equally important groups in our town and use the skills of both to our community’s advantage.
Long Term
To guide Sorrento down a path that leads us to a future that works for all Sorrento residents
5) Best way for the public to contact you?
Call or text anytime: 207-479-5882
Email : [email protected]
Town of Sorrento-Candidates Questionnaire
Introduction:
• Name: Dale Strohmaier
• Age: 79- Just Retired (Again)
• Wife: Vicki-Retired From Nursing After 47 Years at the Same Hospital.
Now Volunteers at Loaves and Fishes.
• Moved from Delaware to Sorrento 5 Years Ago. I am “From Away”, But with a Perspective of a Long Time Sorrento Resident. (Wish We had Moved 30 years Earlier)!
Education:
• Degree in Business Administration
Employment:
20 Years Marketing/Managing Kitchen Appliances Department.
35 years in Sales of New Home Construction.
Operated a Parttime Business Building a Spec Home and Flipping Existing Homes.
Governing Experience:
• Secretary for a College Fraternity. (Many Years Ago).
• Service 10 Years on the Board of a16 Unit Condo Association as the Treasurer.
• Chairman of the Sorrento Town Building Committee. We are About to Start Installing Heat Pumps, Upgrading the Electrical System, Adding a Heat Pump Hot Water Heater and Replacing Some Windows and Doors in Community Building, Funded Mostly by a $75,000 Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant.
What Made You Decide to Run for The Select Board
• Have No Interest in Retirement!
• Would like the Opportunity to Help Guide Sorrento Through the Inevitable Changes We are Facing, While Preserving its Small Town Character and Quality of Life.
Preparation:
• Read the Comprehensive Plan.
• Attended the Town Meetings and Most Select Board Meetings in the Last 4-Years.
• Researched and Continue to Research the Duties, Responsibilities and Limits of a Select Board Member.
• Understand Being a Select Board Member Requires a High Time Commitment.
Biggest Issue Facing Sorrento-Passing the Comprehensive Plan
• The Plan is Only for General Guidance. It Describes the Community and is an Expression of the Town’s Vision for its Future. It Encourages Further Assessment of Those Needs and Goals.
• It is NOT a Binding Ordinance, Regulation or a Law. It Creates No Restrictions or Requirements.
• Safeguards. To Enact Any Segment of the Comprehensive Plan, the Select Board, by a Majority Vote, Votes to Add it to the Warrant. Then the Voters Have the Opportunity to Approve or Disapprove at the Town Meeting.
• Benefits for Sorrento Having a Comprehensive plan.
o Identifies and prioritizes community needs and resources.
o Will Qualify for Preferred Status For Many State Competitive Grant Programs.
Contact Information:
• [email protected] 302-858-2534 (Please Leave a Message)
