Maryann Wood

Political platform statement

My name is Maryann Wood, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Manchester-by-the-Sea Select Board.

My ties to this town run deep.  In my early twenties, I worked at Al’s Café — the beloved local spot where the "townies" would gather after work.  It was there that I met my favorite townie, David Wood, who later became my husband.  Though we lived in other communities for a time, we always knew Manchester-by-the-Sea was where we wanted to build our life and raise a family.

In 2005, that dream became a reality.  We moved to town and quickly became part of the vibrant fabric of the community.  Our three sons — Frank, Danny, and Felix — grew up immersed in all the wonderful experiences Manchester has to offer: town tennis, Junior Hornets, Little League, Saturday basketball, the Mothers Club, Magic Years Preschool, countless hours at the library, the parks and playgrounds, Powder House Hill, Singing Beach, Sand Dollar Cove, Tuck’s — and most importantly, the love and support of family and friends.

Before the loss of my husband in 2014, I had been actively involved in many aspects of community life — volunteering on local committees, serving on boards for organizations like Magic Years Preschool, the Manchester Community Center, and the Mothers Club, and advocating for teachers as a union representative during my time at Paul Revere School.  Contributing to my community has always been important to me, and even after David’s passing, I’ve remained committed to giving back in any way I can.

When tragedy struck and I lost David suddenly, leaving our boys at just 11, 9, and 6 years old, it was the town of Manchester that lifted us up.  I am forever grateful for the kindness, compassion, and unwavering support this community gave to my family — it is something I think about every single day.  I truly believe that if we had lived in a big city, our story would have been very different.  Instead, we were embraced, and my children were able to grow up surrounded by a village that cared for them, educated them, and cheered them on. Today, I have a junior at the high school, and two sons attending college — one graduating from Boston College this year, and another currently a sophomore at Tulane University.  Thank You MBTS!

Professionally, I have spent over a decade working as a public-school teacher.  I hold a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and a law degree from Suffolk University.  I am a homeowner, a business owner, and a proud member of the Manchester community.  I own and operate Boo Bird, a local restaurant that strives to offer a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all residents to enjoy.

I believe my experience as a longtime resident, educator, business owner, and parent gives me a broad and unique perspective on the needs and hopes of our town.  I am deeply invested in Manchester-by-the-Sea because Manchester invested in my family when we needed it most.