Former county treasurer in line to earn 4-year-term on Androscoggin County Commission
LEWISTON – Helen Poulin topped a three-way race for Lewiston’s representative aboard the Androscoggin County Commission.
Poulin, the county’s former treasurer, defeated fellow Democrats James Horn and Renee Bernier for the nomination.
She will be unopposed on the ballot in November’s general election.
Poulin drew 935 votes across Lewiston, which saw just over 10 percent of registered voters to the polls. Bernier, who serves as the president of the Lewiston City Council, garnered 785 votes. James Horn, assistant director of the Lewiston Regional Technical Center, got 182 votes.
Horn had pledged give his nearly $7,000 stipend to local charities. Bernier ran with the hope of opening the three-member board to greater public scrutiny.
The Sun Journal was unable to reach Poulin on Tuesday for comment.
During her campaign, Poulin said she aimed to reduce spending by the county by seeking out new revenue sources. She hoped her prior experience would give her an edge.
“As the treasurer, you’re paying the bills and following the budget,” she said last week. “The commission sets the policy.
“I know what the county needs,” she said. “I could do a lot.”
Her husband, Robert Poulin, is the county treasurer. Helen Poulin spent almost a full term as the treasurer, leaving the job to begin her own business, Austin’s Business Services.
Poulin will fill the seat being vacated by Commissioner Patience Johnson.
Comments are no longer available on this story