LEWISTON — Benjamin Dearnley of Bowdoinham was elected to the  Board of Supervisors with the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District.

“Ballot votes were verified on Nov. 21 with a one point lead given to Benjamin Dearnley of Bowdoinham,” according to Jane Heikkinen, election superintendent.

Nomination petitions were also received from Edward Carter of Richmond. The position involves a commitment of service for three years beginning Jan. 1.

Dearnley graduated from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. His major was in environmental science. Currently Dearnley serves as an Ed Tech III at the Spurwink School working with special needs students. When not working, his time is consumed with working the “Life Force Farm,” an organic vegetable farm.

Dearnley has worked with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to implement conservation measures on his farm through the Environmental Quality Improvement Program and developed a high tunnel for his organic vegetables.

Dearnley said, “I want to give a voice to the needs of the organic farmer.”

During his first term as Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisor member, he will join the other four members to focus on providing guidance in water quality, water quantity, forestry and economic feasibility issues, as well as programming to address these concerns.

Copy the Story Link