SABATTUS — Residents have three choices for two open selectmen’s seats next month. Mark Duquette is the lone incumbent, with Norman Estes and Andre Marquis political newcomers.
Both open seats are for three-year terms.
In advance of Nov. 2, candidates were asked to share their background, volunteer and committee experience, and why they want to be the next selectman. Some responses have been edited for space. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Mark Duquette, 859 Middle Road
Please share a bit about yourself: I have been employed by the Sabattus Sanitary & Water District for 12-plus years and have a grade 3 drinking water operator license and a grade 2 wastewater operator license. I also have been a seasonal part-time oil truck driver for 10 years.
I attended and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1988, attended Lewiston-Auburn College and attained rank of Eagle Scout in 1985. I have been married to my wife, Amy, for 17 years and have two sons ages 15 and 12 attending Oak Hill High School and Oak Hill Middle School.
Any previous committee or board experience? I held a position with the town’s Planning Board for a year prior to becoming a selectman in 2003 to present (chairman 2008-09).
Why do you want to serve the town as selectman? I’ve seen a lot of growth within the town during my years as a selectman and would like to be a part of the continued progress of Sabattus.
What would your top issue be? With the tough economic times we are faced with right now, it is important to me that we keep a close watch on spending to keep the mill rate as low as possible while not cutting vital services. I feel that spending should definitely be within the town-approved budgets and that there should never be any unnecessary spending just because there is a balance available.
Norman Estes, 119 Main St.
Please share a bit about yourself: I own and successfully operate my small business, Estes Home Improvement. I am currently employed with a local property management company that manages affordable housing, where I am a maintenance supervisor for elderly and disabled housing projects. I have had coursework studies in historical housing renovation and am an accomplished carpenter. During (his son’s) childhood I served as a sports coach and Cub Scout leader.
For the past 15 years I have served the Dominican Sisters in various capacities as a maintenance technician, assisting with their fundraisers and the local food bank that serves Sabattus families in need.
Why do you want to serve the town as selectman? I am dependable and have the ability to motivate a project team, (am) accustomed to positions of fiduciary responsibility and willing to set goals and work to achieve them. Simply put, I am forward-thinking and have a vision for the future. With time, energy, and the seasoned experience needed for the position I bring common sense, good ideas and visibility to the board. As a team we can lead Sabattus to be a year-round thriving community.
What would your top issue be? Create a stable economy, promote initiatives to “buy local,” to “hire local” and keep dollars circulating within the local economy, make short-term and long-term plans to strengthen our community.
Andre N. Marquis, 10 Union St.
Please share a bit about yourself: Born in Lewiston, raised and educated in the Sabattus School systems. Currently employed by Androscoggin Unified Emergency Management Agency as an emergency planner and county emergency response team coordinator. I have a wife and a 6-month-old daughter.
I volunteer with the Sabattus Fire Department and have been a member since 2006.
Why do you want to serve the town as selectman? The town of Sabattus is at a turning point. With the adoption of the Town Charter and hiring of a town manager, it is time for new ideas and a fresh approach to the “business as usual” mentality. There needs to be fluidity in communication and transparency for the taxpayers and residents.
What would your top issue be? Every candidate runs for (an) elected position with the intent of being fiscally responsible. With speaking to many residents of Sabattus, a major issue is the image of the town of Sabattus. We are known as a quiet bedroom community to Lewiston/Auburn. It is time for Sabattus to take back what we were, a booming town with our own identity. Let’s aim for a revitalization of the downtown area, alleviate the tax burden of residents by completing zoning and bring some industry into town.
kskelton@sunjournal.com
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