Eric Gould and Richard Whiting vie for Auburn City Council Ward 1 seat

Eric Gould Submitted photo

Name: Eric Gould

Age: 42

Occupation: Retired Chief Engineer, U.S. Merchant Marine

Political experience: None

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat?

I believe that I am best candidate for the job due to the fact that I am a political outsider. I bring fresh perspective with level headed approach, which incorporates facts and logic that have served me well in life. In the same sense, fiscal responsibility which I applied to my own life, which allowed early retirement, can be beneficial for Ward 1 and all of Auburn.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

I believe two critical issues are balancing protecting Lake Auburn as water supply and growing the city smartly all while trying to keep taxes in check. Science should lead the way to what can be done within the watershed while respecting the landowners rights. Trying to get a set of standards that apply to the whole watershed, not just Auburn, and again let latest science lead the way.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not?

My family and I enjoy many of the recreational activities that exist already in watershed. Much of the watershed has been protected for many years and any steps forward to expanding recreational activities and development should be made calculated and measured as to ensure it remains protected. Eco-friendly building that encompasses the home/ building within the surrounding environment as a whole should be explored as a possible way forward to the watershed protection.

Rick Whiting Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Name: Richard Whiting

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired, former longtime executive director of Auburn Housing Authority

Political experience: None

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat?

I have broad experience serving on many local boards, including the Planning Board, Auburn Water District, the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Block Grant, and as a former president and Building Committee chairman of the Auburn Public Library. These roles have prepared me to serve as Ward 1 city councilor. I have lived or worked in all five wards of Auburn, so I understand issues confronting the whole city. I enjoy problem-solving in a collaborative setting.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

Maintaining the filtration waiver for the Lake Auburn public water supply is of utmost importance to both Auburn and Lewiston. Auburn water rates are among the lowest in Maine. Protecting the lake should be a given, not an “option.” Our area needs to house, educate, train and attract well-paid workers to strengthen the regional economy. We can encourage growth without endangering our quality of life through careful planning and strategic, not wholesale, rezoning.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not?

Lake Auburn offers several recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, picnicking and birdwatching. Outlet Beach is available for swimming after appropriate water cleanup. Trails for hiking and biking can be extended around the lake, if done in an environmentally sensitive way. Further development in the Lake Auburn watershed is ill-advised and should be discouraged. Currently allowed development activity needs to be appropriately restricted and carefully monitored to ensure permanent protection of this vital resource.