LISBON – Voters will take the final step toward moving from a selectmen form of government to a town council on Saturday.
Residents will go to the polls to elect a new seven-member Town Council from a field of 10 – three at-large candidates and two each from District I (Lisbon and Lisbon Center) and District II (Lisbon Falls).
Five are running for three at-large seats; three are running for two District I seats and two are running unopposed for District II.
In the at-large race, two newcomers are challenging three incumbent selectmen, whose terms will end on June 30 when the Town Council takes over. Initial terms will be three years, two years and one year, to be filled by the top three vote-getters, respectively.
At-large race
Michael R. Bowie
Age: 46
Occupation: Systems manager at Bath Iron Works
Education: Lisbon High School; CMVTI
Municipal experience: In his sixth year as selectman and is board chairman; chairman of the County Budget Committee; has served on the Community Policing Panel and the Advisory Board
Why he’s running: Enjoys what he’s doing for the town; is interested in economic development, wants to continue working toward accountability in town affairs and to assure that the town advances at the right pace as a small community.
Layne A. Curtis
Age: 48
Occupation: Miller Hydro Plant
Education: Lisbon High School
Municipal experience: Selectman for seven years; one year on the School Committee; member of the Lisbon Falls Fire Department for 20 years
Why he’s running: Feels he can be a conduit to new council to help with the transition in town government. Is a strong supporter of economic development and would like to continue working for the town to get things done cost effectively. “I like working for the public and making sure good things happen.”
Jeffrey B. Ganong
Age: 26
Occupation: Marine electrician at Bath Iron Works
Education: Lisbon Falls Christian Academy; four-year college degree
Municipal experience: None
Why he’s running: Thinks it will be a good opportunity for him to help the town run more effectively. “It could be a model for the state.”
Richard G. Main
Age: 63
Occupation: Tax assessor for the city of Lewiston
Education: Norwich Free Academy (Norwich, Conn.); Barrington College
Municipal experience: In his third year as a member of the Advisory Board; chairman of the Dresden Board of Selectmen for six years; chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Committee for four years; member of the International Association of Assessing Officers, Maine Association of Assessors and chairman of the personal property tax section.
Why he’s running: Sees something happening in Lisbon that can foster a negative reputation for a community, things can be done to create a positive reputation and a greater sense of community. “Lisbon is a good community and can become a great community.”
E. Charles Smith
Age: 51
Occupation: Technician at Brunswick Naval Air Station
Education: Lisbon High School; University of Maine; CMTC
Municipal experience: Selectman for six years; Advisory Board, five years; Land Use Committee, Technology Committee, Fire Apparatus Committee, Charter Commission, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee; helped select site for new elementary school
Why he’s running: Has enjoyed working for the town and is looking forward to being a part of the new governing process as the town continues to grow. He is a strong supporter of economic and industrial development and encourages more people to get involved and serve on town committees.
District I race
Gina M. Mason
Occupation: Homemaker
Education: Lisbon High School; Westbrook College
Municipal experience: None
Why she’s running: Feels running for the council will be a good opportunity to help the town with a new form of government. “It sounds interesting.”
Janet R. Henry
Age: 51
Occupation: Merchandising; freelance writer
Education: High school; three years of college
Municipal experience: School Committee for three years; Parent Action Committee, Booster Club, Lisbon Area Christian Outreach, Moxie Committee; volunteer at Holy Trinity Church and KC suppers.
Why she’s running: Hopes to work toward keeping taxes down, even if a revaluation is done, while keeping important programs. Wants to make sure the town’s infrastructure can handle future growth and that the town has a plan. “My whole emphasis will be a vision for the future.”
Herbert L. “Pete” Reed
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired construction superintendent,
Education: Sabattus High School
Municipal experience: Advisory Board, 13 years; County Budget Committee for six years; in his second year on School Committee
Why he’s running: Sees problems for the new council and believes there are “gray areas in the charter that will need to be addressed, things that need to be dealt with.”
District II race
Dale J. Crafts and Norma L. Wells are running unopposed for the two seats representing Lisbon Falls.
Budget Advisory Board
The new, seven-member board will be elected by write-in votes; no candidate names will appear on the ballot. Voters will choose three at-large members and two from each district. The length of all terms will be determined by the number of votes received.
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