CARIBOU, Maine – Three candidates are vying for three open seats on Caribou City Council.
Deputy Mayor Courtney Boma is this year’s incumbent, running for another three-year term. Tamara Lovewell and Jennifer Kelley are also running for three-year terms to replace outgoing councilors Lou Willey and Mark Goughan.
Caribou’s municipal elections will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Caribou Wellness & Recreation Center at 55 Bennett Drive.
Although this year’s city council race is uncontested – with three candidates running for three open seats – the Aroostook Republican is still publishing the candidates’ answers to questions about their backgrounds, goals and priorities.
All candidates were asked the same questions. In alphabetical order, here are the candidates and their responses.
Courtney Boma
Age: 44
Party Affiliation: Registered Democrat
Why are you running for city council? I would like to continue my work on several ongoing city projects and initiatives. I also want to continue to help make Caribou a safe, flourishing and welcoming community for current residents and businesses, as well as to attract newcomers to our area.
Education: Master of Science in education and Bachelor of Science in environmental science and policy
Employment: University of Maine at Presque Isle
Family: Two daughters, ages 10 and 14
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected? Blight removal, construction of the new Caribou Police station and economic development.
Jennifer Kelley
Age: 49
Party Affiliation: Republican
Why are you running for city council? I am running for city council because Caribou is where I spent most of my life. I especially love that in the past couple of years the city has embraced ATV and snowmobile tourism and supported events like Thursdays on Sweden St., the SnowBowl and DustBowl. Caribou has also put itself on the map for some of the best eateries and venues in the state. We have a thriving brewery, sanctioned PBA bowling venue and the resurrection of Spuds Speedway to name a few. In addition, the new Caribou Community School has enrolled more students than originally envisioned.
Education: Bachelor of Science in elementary education
Employment: Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Family: I have been blessed with a son, who is 13, and a daughter, who is 11.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected? My biggest motivations for running for Caribou City Council are addressing blight within the city and to do everything in my power to address continued business growth.
I would like to see a line item in the city’s budget that swiftly addresses when a building needs to be demolished. Therefore, I support utilization of city ordinances to promote upkeep by property owners. There is no worse deterrent than driving into a town or city and seeing seven, eight or nine barns caved in, unpainted houses with missing windows, lawns not mowed and empty storefronts. It is a lack of respect for not only ourselves as a city, but also surrounding property owners who take pride in their properties, homes and community.
For many years Caribou has played second fiddle to neighboring cities and towns with large industry and businesses planting their roots elsewhere. It’s time Caribou takes a hard look at incentives that change the minds of big business and investors. It’s no secret that tourism and industry are a significant financial shot in the arm to cities and towns when it comes to having them both rooted in your community. I feel confident that we can continue to grow Caribou in the right direction given the tools and the right leadership.
Tamara Lovewell
Age: 44
Party Affiliation: I often align with the Republican party. However, I consider myself to be an independent thinker and do not particularly align with any party.
Why are you running for city council? I am running for city council to help be the voice for our local people. There are many important issues that need representation. As a wife, a mother with grown and school-aged children, a homeowner, a business owner and a Caribou neighbor and resident, I have a lot of important issues that I want to see addressed. I feel a fresh look, common sense, grit and determination are areas that I can lend myself well to in this position.
Education: I received my undergrad degrees from Columbia Gorge Community College, with additional coursework in law from Central Washington University.
Employment: I am the proud owner of Ruska Coffee Co. right here in Caribou. My husband and I have been able to meet and serve the most wonderful community of people and for that, we thank you.
Family: I have been married for almost 20 years to my husband Lance Lovewell. Together we have 12 children, seven of which are grown. We also have five perfect grandchildren.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected? My top priorities if elected are keeping our small town safe and wonderful for the families and residents. Some of my pressing concerns are the increased amounts of drug use, blighted homes and an increased transient population. As these areas have risen, crime and safety issues have increased.
I would continue to work to address small business creation, growth and retention. We have some great avenues for tourism in place. I would encourage continuing to grow and enhance those to build our community.
I would work to support and maintain the great school systems and the great health care systems we offer here in Caribou.
