‘Lost revenue biggest challenge for town’, Goodrich says

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — After winning seats on the town council, newly elected Fred Grant and Nancy Ketch voted with their fellow councilors in a unanimous decision to have longtime businessman Walter Goodrich chair the town’s ruling body.
    Goodrich said “tough decisions lie ahead for the council. Probably the biggest challenge is the loss of revenue from the state.” He added, in a post-meeting interview, that when voters knocked down two initiatives — Tabor II and excise tax cuts — “it was good for us.”
    First-time councilor Fred Grant, a Houlton native, said he was “really excited and proud” about serving “the great community where we live.”
    Nancy Ketch, re-elected last Tuesday, expressed appreciation for voter confidence. “I hope to live up to their expectations and continue some of the good work that we have begun over the last three years.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
ELECTED — Walter Goodrich, assumed his new position as chairman of the Houlton Town Council at its organizational meeting last Wednesday. Nancy Ketch, next to Goodrich, was selected as secretary. 
    During the brief organizational meeting last Wednesday, several other appointments were made. Ketch was chosen to serve as council secretary while both Grant and Ketch were appointed as directors of the Shiretown Development Corporation for three-year terms.
    Cathy O’Leary was reappointed as town clerk, election warden, deputy treasurer and general assistance administrator. The council also confirmed the appointment of Nedra Hanson as treasurer, deputy tax collector and deputy election warden. Gail Cleary was appointed deputy clerk and deputy election warden.
    Laureen Bither was reappointed tax assessor; Lauren Asselin as tax collector. The council also confirmed the appointment of the law firm Severson, Hand and Nelson as town attorney.
    The council appointed Constance Hagan as a member of the Cemetery Fund and Carlton Wallace as tree warden.
    The council will continue to hold its meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. If a holiday falls on a meeting night, the council will meet on the following Tuesday.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
SWORN IN — Fred Grant takes the oath of office for his position as a newly-elected member of the Houlton Town Council.