MONMOUTH – Six people are vying for two open seats on the Monmouth Board of Selectmen. They include an incumbent, a former selectmen, the former principal of Monmouth Academy and three newcomers to local politics.
Taxes, residential growth, municipal spending and the town’s recent change from the traditional town meeting to secret ballot voting are among their major concerns.
Polls will remain open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Cumston Hall. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Office.
Here are profiles of the six candidates along with their responses when asked, “Why are you running and what do you consider the biggest issues facing the town?”
William G. Burgess
Age: 33
Occupation: Sports reporter, Sun Journal
Education: University of Maine, 1998
Political experience: Served on the Student Senate and Residents of Campus board at the University of Maine; member of the Student Alumni Association
Community service: Coached Monmouth Middle School baseball team, 1992; participated in Brothers Feeding Others as a member of Lambda Chi Alpha
Response: “I’ve always been interested in politics, and my plan has always been to get involved in town politics as soon as I settled in.
“It is very important for a town our size to have their own public safety department and those types of services. As a parent of young children and as someone who grew up here, moved away, then came back, I see the importance of having local services.
“It is great to want to keep the town small and have a tight-knit community. But, in order to keep the town viable, we also need an influx of new businesses.”
Colleen T. Fournier
Age: 41
Occupation: Part-owner of collection agency, owner of landscaping business
Education: GED, Winthrop High School
Political experience: Attends annual town meetings
Community service: None
Response: “The reason I’m running is so that what the people want, happens. I want the community’s voice to be heard.
“The biggest issue facing the town is how the dollars are being allocated and spent. I think there needs to be a handle on that. If voters say they want something, they should get it.
“I’m a people person. I’ll be there to speak for the majority.”
Chester G. Hillier
Age: 53
Occupation: Union official
Education: University of Maine, 1978
Political experience: Member of campaign staff for Senator Muskie for President, 1972; administrative clerk for Maine Legislature, 1975; aide to Maine House of Representatives floor leaders, 1979
Community service: Member of Monmouth Budget Committee, 1990s; member of Maine Board of Arbitration and Conciliation, present; veteran of 101st Fighter/Interceptor Wing, Bangor
Response: “I’m interested in restoring town meetings to Monmouth. I’m also a supporter of the Monmouth school system. I believe the town made a wise choice not to join a SAD, and I’d like to keep it that way.
“There is a tidal wave of population growth hitting Monmouth. We need to recognize the problems that brings as well as the opportunities.”
Stephen J. Kolenda
Age: 51
Occupation: Sales representative
Education: Bachelor’s degree in microbiology
Political experience: Monmouth Planning Board, 1984-1992; Monmouth School Board, 1992-2001; Monmouth Board of Selectmen, June 2004-present
Community service: Coaches Monmouth Academy boys’ tennis team
Response: “I’d like to be a voice of people concerned about high taxes and the burden they place on maintaining their homes. I tend to speak out. I tell it as I see it. I ask the tough questions.
“I support the secret ballot method. No one more than me loves the spirit of town meetings, but most years only 3-4 percent of the voters show up. By secret ballot, we’ll get 25-30 percent of the vote.”
C. Douglas Ludewig
Age: 65
Occupation: Teacher at Monmouth Academy
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, University of Maine
Political experience: Monmouth Board of Selectman, 2001-04
Community service: Member of Monmouth Rescue Squad, 1980s; volunteer at the public library
Response: “I’m running because I think I can bring some things to the board that it needs: honesty, integrity, trust, fairness and balance.
“The big issue is what to do with some of the town business, such as the police department being reduced from full time and the change from town meeting to secret ballot.
“I just want to help provide the taxpayers with the greatest possible value for their tax dollars while making sure Monmouth’s traditions are maintained.”
Ronald D. Moody
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired; former principal of Monmouth Academy, 1970-1989
Education: Master’s degree in administration, University of Maine, 1973
Political experience: Monmouth Board of Appeals, 1995-present; former member of the executive committee of the Maine State Principals’ Association
Community service: Ran the high school basketball tournament for Class D and E schools, 1960s; state chairman of Academic Decathlon, 2002-present
Response: “It’s my concern and love for this community that made me decide to run. The people have been fantastic as far as I’m concerned. I want to support and continue on with traditions that are so predominant in town of Monmouth.
“I believe the town could be run the same way a family is. Oftentimes, in a family, we can’t give everyone what they want, but we can give them what they need.”
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