Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Two city councilors are running unopposed for two seats on the Presque Isle City Council.
Incumbents Donald Gardner and G. Melvin Hovey are on the Nov. 6 ballot, looking to hold onto their seats on the Council.
Also on the ballot are six individuals vying for seats on the SAD 1 School Board. These candidates are running unopposed, looking to represent six sections on the board. Each has prior experience serving SAD 1.
Looking to take the seat for Section 6 is Nancy E. Cronkite. On the ballot for Section 8 is Barbara F. Ladner.
Pursuing a seat in Section 11 is Curtis F. Culberson. Lucy C. Richard is unopposed in her pursuit for the Section 12 opening.
Juliet Freeman is looking to be elected to represent Section 16. On the ballot for Section 17 Paul Saiji.
There are no city referendums on the ballot, but local voters will consider a question on an Aroostook County level on whether certain positions should remain elected seats or if they should be appointed. At present, the positions of county treasurer and county registrar of deeds area elected. It has been proposed that those spots become appointed positions instead. To do so requires voter approval of an amendment to the County charter. If approved, appointments would be up to the county administrator, subject to county commissioners’ approval.
County officials believe by appointing individuals rather than electing them, this will improve accountability and the level of qualifications for the jobs will go up, improving service to the County.
Voting will take place at the Presque Isle Rec Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots can be obtained through the city clerk’s office at City Hall on Second Street. For information, contact Nancy Nichols at 764-2520.
