HOULTON, Maine — Town Councilors on Monday evening recognized some of their own for their service to the community, and also encouraged residents to get out and vote next week.
During the brief meeting, various members took the time to acknowledge councilors who have served the community for the past three years and who also stepped up after the resignation of a former councilor.
Councilor William McCluskey was recognized by Chairwoman Jane Torres at the meeting after serving three years on the council.
Torres noted that McCluskey, whose service has included time spent as chairman, is one of five people who is running for two open seats on the council that comes with three-year terms. Councilor Raymond Jay, the incumbent who also was recognized at the meeting, is the other.
“We appreciate all of the work that you have done,” said Torres.
McCluskey encouraged the residents of Houlton to get out and vote on Nov. 5.
Councilor John White Jr. also was recognized during the meeting. White was appointed to the seat vacated by former Councilor Terry “Joe” McKenna when McKenna resigned in May. McKenna was elected to the council in November 2018. He had also served as Houlton’s police chief from Jan. 3, 2014, until Aug. 5, 2016, before also resigning from that position.
Councilor Sue Tortello lauded White for his service, noting that he had served two terms on the council in the past and transitioned so easily into the seat that McKenna vacated.
“It was nice to have someone who made that process so seamless,” she said.
She credited White with coming up with ideas for changes that were made to the town’s smoking policy at the John A. Millar Civic Center.
After significant debate, the council opted in June to approve changes in the community’s public smoking ban that allowed tobacco use in designated areas of the civic center and in municipal parks under specific situations.
The changes arose after discussion about the difficulty in enforcing existing ordinances and the interest of some groups to providing designated smoking areas when sponsoring events.
Town Manager Marion Anderson also noted that there is a vacancy on the RSU 29 School Board. She said that at this point, no one has expressed interest in the seat.
“The council will be making the appointment during the Nov. 12 meeting,” she said. “We hope that someone will step forward and accept that responsibility, as it is an important one.”
