HOULTON, Maine — Houlton Town Councilors bid a fond farewell to their fellow council members who are facing an election prior to the next scheduled meeting.
Council Chair Paul Cleary presented Councilors Paul Romanelli, Carl Lord and Sue Tortello with a parting gift, while wishing them “good luck” in their campaign. Two of the incumbents running are vying for the same position, which means one of them will not be back after the Nov. 6 vote.
“We have Dr. Romanelli and Carl Lord leaving us and this is the last meeting,” said former town councilor Phil Bernaiche. “I’ve been here and watched these two people for the past three years and I feel that they’ve done justice to the people, they’ve always tried to keep the mill rate down and I think that if we ever have the opportunity to have them again, I think the town would be blessed.”
Councilor Tortello and Lord are running for the one-year term position that is open. Councilor Romanelli is seeking re-election against former councilors Bernaiche, John Fitzpatrick, as well as local activist Stan Ginish for one of the two three-year term positions available.
Councilors urged the public to “exercise their rights to vote” in this year’s election. According to town records, there are 4,218 voters in Houlton, which means the election outcome could go in any direction.
“Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and there’s a really good slate of candidates running in it and Houlton should be happy with the people who have come forward to run for the offices that they have,” said Council Chair Cleary.
Councilor Jerry Adams gave his parting remarks by telling those leaving that although they didn’t always agree, “we respected each other and that’s the most important thing.”
Councilor Walter Goodrich reminded the public about the referendum on the school bond, which is on ballot. The referendum is asking voters to allow the SAD 29 to take out a $5 million bond to construct its community arts center, as well as finishing a number of upgrades to the existing school structure.
“$2.5 million is slated for the new arts center and they’re hoping to raise $2.5 million privately to match that and the other $2.5 million is to try to finish the renovations at the high school that we’ve been doing for the past 10 years,” said Goodrich. “At this point, it would be much more efficient to do it all at once. If anybody is not comfortable on what they’re voting on, please try to find out more information that is quite available.”
Councilor Tortello expressed her appreciation to those who appointed her the temporary seat following former Councilor Dale Flewelling’s resignation last year. Tortello hopes to rejoin the council once again as the people’s choice.
“Throughout this year, I have been consciously aware that this has been an appointment, that you didn’t have a direct hand in putting me here,” she said. “I have tried my very best to conduct myself in a manner worthy of your trust and in the best interest of the town. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and it’s truly been my pleasure. Thank you.”
Councilor Lord reminded the public to attend or watch the candidate’s forum on Monday, Oct. 29, which will take place in the council chambers.
“Last, but not least, don’t forget to vote,” he said. “It’s the only thing you can do in this country that doesn’t cost you a nickel. Get out and vote … please.”
The Houlton Water Company has two seats open on its board of directors. Albert Fiztpatrick and Scott Austin are on the ballot. For SAD 29, Kim Thompson and Frances Grant are looking to secure the two seats that are open on the school board and Iva Sussman is the only individual running for a five-year term on the Cary Library board of directors. Town office reported that there are no candidates for the board of budget review, which has three seats open. Those seats will be filled by write-in votes.
Council Chair Paul Cleary presented Councilors Paul Romanelli, Carl Lord and Sue Tortello with a parting gift, while wishing them “good luck” in their campaign. Two of the incumbents running are vying for the same position, which means one of them will not be back after the Nov. 6 vote.
“We have Dr. Romanelli and Carl Lord leaving us and this is the last meeting,” said former town councilor Phil Bernaiche. “I’ve been here and watched these two people for the past three years and I feel that they’ve done justice to the people, they’ve always tried to keep the mill rate down and I think that if we ever have the opportunity to have them again, I think the town would be blessed.”
Councilor Tortello and Lord are running for the one-year term position that is open. Councilor Romanelli is seeking re-election against former councilors Bernaiche, John Fitzpatrick, as well as local activist Stan Ginish for one of the two three-year term positions available.
Councilors urged the public to “exercise their rights to vote” in this year’s election. According to town records, there are 4,218 voters in Houlton, which means the election outcome could go in any direction.
“Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and there’s a really good slate of candidates running in it and Houlton should be happy with the people who have come forward to run for the offices that they have,” said Council Chair Cleary.
Councilor Jerry Adams gave his parting remarks by telling those leaving that although they didn’t always agree, “we respected each other and that’s the most important thing.”
Councilor Walter Goodrich reminded the public about the referendum on the school bond, which is on ballot. The referendum is asking voters to allow the SAD 29 to take out a $5 million bond to construct its community arts center, as well as finishing a number of upgrades to the existing school structure.
“$2.5 million is slated for the new arts center and they’re hoping to raise $2.5 million privately to match that and the other $2.5 million is to try to finish the renovations at the high school that we’ve been doing for the past 10 years,” said Goodrich. “At this point, it would be much more efficient to do it all at once. If anybody is not comfortable on what they’re voting on, please try to find out more information that is quite available.”
Councilor Tortello expressed her appreciation to those who appointed her the temporary seat following former Councilor Dale Flewelling’s resignation last year. Tortello hopes to rejoin the council once again as the people’s choice.
“Throughout this year, I have been consciously aware that this has been an appointment, that you didn’t have a direct hand in putting me here,” she said. “I have tried my very best to conduct myself in a manner worthy of your trust and in the best interest of the town. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and it’s truly been my pleasure. Thank you.”
Councilor Lord reminded the public to attend or watch the candidate’s forum on Monday, Oct. 29, which will take place in the council chambers.
“Last, but not least, don’t forget to vote,” he said. “It’s the only thing you can do in this country that doesn’t cost you a nickel. Get out and vote … please.”
The Houlton Water Company has two seats open on its board of directors. Albert Fiztpatrick and Scott Austin are on the ballot. For SAD 29, Kim Thompson and Frances Grant are looking to secure the two seats that are open on the school board and Iva Sussman is the only individual running for a five-year term on the Cary Library board of directors. Town office reported that there are no candidates for the board of budget review, which has three seats open. Those seats will be filled by write-in votes.
