PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Two candidates are running for Presque Isle city council seats on the Nov. 7 municipal ballot.
Candidates James Carroll and Hank King seek to replace outgoing city council chairperson Jacob Shaw and city council member Mike Chasse.
The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polling times are between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Sargent Family Community Center for Presque Isle residents.
All the candidates were asked the same questions. In alphabetical order, here are their responses:
James Carroll
Age: 41
Party: Independent
Why are you running for this office: I am running because I’ve lived in Presque Isle for over 20 years, and Aroostook County my whole life. I very much enjoy living in Presque Isle, and have seen a tremendous amount of diversity and positive change in the town over the last 10 years. Our town’s main street is filled back up, we have industry in surrounding towns, and we have a huge influx of new residents. I want to be part of that change and help serve my community.
Education: I have a General Education Degree. Two years college experience pursuing social work and certified direct support professional.
Employment: I am self-employed.
Family: I have no kiddos, and am not married. My parents are both County born. I have two sisters, two brothers, and three nephews.
Top three priorities if elected: Utilities are basic services that are essential to our living and everyday life. Water, sewer, electric, and all roadwork. Update old infrastructure, creating new infrastructure, and helping to make the whole overall process of providing these services to the public easier and more innovative.
Police, Fire, Hospital and Ambulance. I see our services providing outstanding support for our community. However, our community has grown quite rapidly over the past five years and taken on different sorts of growth pains from this. Most of our services are becoming overwhelmed. We need to offer the proper support and infrastructure to help facilitate.
For the drug addicted, mentally ill, and the growing population of people experiencing homelessness. I would like to see more services and facilities, to help offer the support needed, to help these individuals. Our jail, criminal, and health system is overwhelmed and not fashioned to help these people. We need the proper infrastructure, facilities, and funding to address these issues.
Hank King
Age: 53
Party Affiliation: Independant
Why are you running for this office: Growing up we were always taught to get involved and make a difference.
Education: Masters in Education with a minor in history and political science.
Employment: Safety Director with Buck Construction.
Family: Married
Top three priorities if elected: My goal is to support the people of Presque Isle and to focus on the changes they want to see completed.
