SABATTUS — The town has five boards with open positions that will be filled at the upcoming election Nov. 7.
For three of those boards, the positions are not being contested. On the Budget Committee, Scott Girardin and Derrick Webb are running for two open three-year seats. On the Sanitary/Water District, Michelle Brown is running for the one open seat — a three-year term. And for the one-year seat open on the RSU 4 board of directors, Brandon Richards is the sole candidate.
There is a contest for the one three-year open seat on the RSU 4 board representing Sabattus between Robert Gayton Jr. and Nicole Russell.
And there are four individuals vying for the one open three-year seat on the Sabattus Board of Selectmen. Here are brief profiles on the four running for that selectmen’s position, in their own words.
MICHAEL A. BUCKINGHAM
Age: 67
Occupation: Semi-retired
Political experience: None
Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? I have over 40 years in retail management and customer service. I have always exceeded expectations on how companies would like their locations to be managed. I feel that running a town should be just like running a business. With the townspeople as the customer and the select board representing them and fulfilling their needs.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Sabattus’ future, and how you would address them. I feel the growth of the town is very important and that we need to look at the future. Keeping the Fire Department and Police Department fully staffed and prepared are crucial to the safely and well-being of the town. I would encourage the townspeople to vote to accept the $2 million grant and match the necessary funds to build a new firehouse. Simply attempting a rebuild of the old fire station would be too costly in the long run.
What do you want voters to know about you? I am very much a family man. I enjoy the outdoors, music and being a Grampy to three wonderful grandsons.
JEAN PAUL CURRAN
Age: 76 years young
Occupation: I am retired
Political experience: Have six years experience as selectmen. Also served on Budget Committee, Planning Board, and presently chairing the Building Committee, reviewing the Fire Department and Public Safety Building.
Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? My goals are to create strong communication with public by supporting the addition of human relations person for town employees as well as public communications. Next is strongly support growth as related to revenues.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Sabattus’ future, and how you would address them: Presently reviewing needs for expansion of the Fire Department, and a safety building which would include police.
What do you want voters to know about you? Strong, family values, Vietnam veteran. Served in both the Navy and the Army. My family has served the public for many years such as my father, Leo, and my brother Ted.
JOHN MITCHELL
Age: 44
Occupation: (None listed)
Political experience: Two years on the Sabattus MCU Supervisor Committee
Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? Attention to detail. Good communication skills. Working community events and programs.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Sabattus’ future, and how you would address them. First, help working on maintaining an efficient budget that everyone can work with. Getting the supplies and equipment that the town needs to maintain great operations. Second, work on getting growth in our community with new businesses. Keeping our warm home vibe. But bringing in a little bit of the new busy future. This will help with conveniences that are needed, travel and jobs.
What do you want voters to know about you? I have great pride in our town and together we can overcome any obstacle.
JEREMY PETTY
Age: 52
Occupation: I work at BIW and I’m an outside machinist.
Political experience: I am currently serving my first term as selectman in Sabattus.
Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? I feel I have served this town well in my first term. I feel with the current board we have held the budgets manageable. This while keeping the mil rate low enough in these economic times for people to manage.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Sabattus’ future, and how you would address them: I feel we need to attract more business to come into Sabattus to offset the property tax of the citizens of Sabattus. I believe we should maintain transparency to the citizens of Sabattus and hold the municipality accountable.
What do you want voters to know about you? I am a veteran, I have lived in this community for years. I feel citizens in town can approach me and ask questions and I will get them answers.
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