Stan Ginish: Three seats to fill in Nov. 6 council election

Full name: Stan L. Ginish
Other political offices held: I was elected to and served a one-year term on the board of budget review. I am now serving a three-year term on the board of budget review with two years remaining. I was elected to the citizen position as a director on the Shiretown Development Corporation for a three-year-term of which I am serving in the final year.
Career background: I am retired from the United States Navy (SEAL) GMG-1, Petty Officer 1st Class. I served with both Seal Team 1 and 2. Besides being qualified as a Navy Seal, I also acted as liaison between Army and Naval training components. I received a Naval Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medals, and a Letter of Commendation from the United States Army, National Defense, Pistol and Rifle. I am a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of UDT/SEAL Association, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.
What made you run for office? I was dissatisfied with how the council just rubber-stamps the spending by town management along with its poor oversight of information not forthcoming or diluted from town management. I am also disappointed with how the economic arm of the town, Shiretown Development Corporation was poorly led, ill informed and its resources wasted as well as unapproved use of the property by town management without fair and adequate remuneration for the taxpayer’s of Houlton. The treatment of the taxpayers and their needs should be first rather than the back seat it takes to political whims and town management perks.
What are your primary goals? Cut spending, lower taxes, stop profiting from the people’s emergency needs and reduce the base fee for ambulance service to where it was three years ago. More public comment and involvement, more time to obtain information to vote more responsibly, more town management accountability, better local streets, friendlier government, not political patronage as well as not looking for handouts.