Three SAD 29 seats up for grabs – Cleary brings leadership

Full name and age: Paul J. Cleary, 38
Hometown: Houlton
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? Houlton Town Councilor 1999-2002 and 2003-09; chairman Houlton Town Council 2001-02 and 2006-09; director Houlton Fair Association 1998-present; and president Houlton Fair Association 2006-present.
What is your career background? Owner of Cleary Marketing from 1996-2008. Home Buyer Publications January 2009-present.
What made you decide to run for this office? I’ve been involved with the public and politics for over 10 years and wanted to continue to be a part of the community and things that are happening.
What do you see as the most important issue facing SAD 29? The upcoming budget. Not knowing what will happen with Tabor II and the Excise question and the shortfall of revenue from the state, next year’s budget could be tough. We need to provide a top-notch quality education and support our teachers, while trying to keep the taxpayers of the district in our minds.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? Keeping up the quality of education that our School Systems already has. We have great teachers in SAD 29 and great employees. We need to provide them with the items to do their jobs and to do it the right way. We need to work together as a board to address issues facing our district.
Why should people vote for you? My experience and reputation as someone who gets things done. My experience of being on town council and putting together nine municipal budgets and over 10 years of working with the public and town government. I enjoy a challenge and looking forward to being elected to the SAD 29 School Board.