HOULTON, Maine — Interest appears to be high for two upcoming seats on the Houlton Town Council.
Five candidates are looking to fill two open seats that come with a three-year term this November. Voters will have to choose two candidates from the list of George W. (Bill) McCluskey, Harry J. Bell, Raymond J. Jay, Eileen E. McLaughlin and Robert I. Monroe. McCluskey and Jay are currently serving on the town council.
Only one candidate, however, is seeking an open two-year seat on the board as Edward M. Lake was the only resident to fill out nomination papers for this seat.
Houlton has a term limit policy that states no council member can serve more than two consecutive full three-year terms. After two full years out of office, a former council member may seek re-election.
Two candidates, both of whom are incumbents, are seeking two open, three-year seats on the RSU 29 school board as Ellen I. Askren and Fredrick G. Grant are seeking re-election to the school board.
Interest in serving on the town’s Board of Budget Review, however, is once again minimal as just one individual, Priscilla J. Monroe, returned papers to be placed on the ballot. There are six open seats on the board this year — three available three-year seats and three open two-year terms.
In November, the town council will have to appoint individuals to serve on the budget committee to fill those openings.
Three candidates will look to fill two available three-year terms on the Houlton Water Company board of directors. Joshua A. McLaughlin, Charles E. Taylor and Albert J. Fitzpatrick are the candidates for this board.
Forrest W. Barnes is the lone candidate for one five-year term on the Cary Library Board of Trustees.
Residents will cast their votes in the Nov. 5 election.
