top of page

Who Backed, and Opposed, OIH

Who voted for, who voted against, and who abstained on the proposal to rebuild Our Island Home

Our Island Home Nantucket

Voted Against Supporting the Project

 

Jill Vieth

Role: Chair, Nantucket Finance Committee
Vote: Against recommending the project

 

Background

  • Chair of the Finance Committee and also chair of the town’s Capital Program Committee, which reviews major municipal spending proposals. 

  • Has been active in Nantucket municipal governance for several years and has emphasized interest in municipal finance and civic engagement in her public statements. 

  • Considered running for the Nantucket Select Board in 2025, but withdrew from the race before the election, citing support for incumbents. 

  • Has publicly advocated for greater collaboration between town government and organizations like the Nantucket Land Bank to address housing challenges. 

 

Perspective in the OIH debate

  • Argued the issue was financial sustainability, not opposition to elder care.

  • Emphasized concerns about long-term operating subsidies and debt service.

 

Jeremy Bloomer

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: Against recommending the project

 

Background

  • Investment and finance professional with experience in investment banking and private equity.

  • Holds an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

  • Active in nonprofit leadership on Nantucket, including serving as treasurer of Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket, which supports end-of-life care services.

 

Perspective in the OIH debate

  • Focused heavily on the cost per resident served, arguing that the projected cost of the facility relative to the number of people served did not justify the investment. 

 

Anthonie Goudemond

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: Against recommending the project

 

Background

  • Appointed to the Finance Committee by the Select Board in recent years.

  • Highlighted extensive business experience when applying for the position. 

  • Public profile suggests a background focused on financial management and private-sector business operations.

 

Perspective

  • Part of the majority that concluded the project’s financial projections and long-term subsidy requirements were too large to recommend approval.

 

Joanna Roche

Role: Vice Chair, Finance Committee
Vote: Against recommending the project

Background

  • Serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee. 

  • Longtime participant in Nantucket town governance discussions and policy debates.

  • Has been involved in deliberations around issues such as short-term rental policy and municipal spending.

Perspective

  • Joined the majority citing financial concerns about the long-term operating model.

 

Members Who Supported the Project

 

Chris Glowacki

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: In support of recommending the project

​

Background

  • Finance Committee member appointed by the Select Board. 

  • Known locally for civic involvement and participation in town government discussions.

 

Perspective

  • Emphasized the community obligation to provide elder care on island, arguing that the value of the facility cannot be measured purely by financial return.

 

Peter Schaeffer

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: In support of recommending the project

Background

  • Finance Committee member with experience in business and finance.

  • Has participated in numerous Finance Committee deliberations on major spending proposals.

Perspective

  • Argued that the facility’s impact extends beyond residents to families and staff, emphasizing social value rather than just financial metrics. 

 

Martin McKerrow

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: In support of recommending the project

Background

  • Former Governor of the Nantucket Yacht Club, a leadership role in one of the island’s largest nonprofit organizations. 

  • Has served in various financial oversight and treasury roles in nonprofit organizations. 

Perspective

  • Viewed the project as a community investment rather than a purely financial calculation.

 

Other Committee Members
 

Joseph Wright

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: Abstained

 

Background

  • Finance Committee member with experience in financial analysis and budgeting.

Position in debate

  • Expressed strong skepticism about the projected long-term financial losses but ultimately abstained on the recommendation vote. 

 

Rob Giacchetti

Role: Finance Committee member
Vote: Absent

​

Background

  • Member of the Nantucket Finance Committee whose term runs through 2026.

​

The Finance Committee’s vote does not determine the fate of the project. It simply becomes part of the debate. When the Our Island Home article reaches the Town Meeting floor this spring, the final decision will rest with Nantucket voters.


- Dominick Costanzo
Lead Editorial Advisor

3/12/26

bottom of page