Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Faced with the difficult task of narrowing down candidates for the vacant Council seat from four to one during Monday night’s session, councilors unanimously appointed Emily G. Smith as the newest member of Presque Isle City Council. Councilors began the session by going into executive session to discuss their options. About 15 minutes later they were ready to announce their decision.
“We received four applications, all excellent candidates. It was very difficult to pick. They represent a wide range of the population. All expressed interest in helping us advance in the future,” said Council Chair Jennifer Trombley.
Deputy Chair Calvin Hall echoed Trombley’s comments.
“In my years on the Council, I’ve never seen such a wealth of experience come forth to volunteer for what can be a thankless job. I want to publicly thank those who weren’t selected and (recommend they) look forward to the fall to seek a seat in the fall election,” said Hall.
Councilor Don Gardner said it was a difficult choice to make.
“This is the first time we’ve had a hard decision that was easy. We had some extremely qualified applicants. I feel, in the long run, we made the best decision,” said Gardner.
Councilor G. Melvin Hovey noted it was nice to have someone from the “business” world.
“One thing we haven’t had in the past is someone from the business community who’s been interested in serving. It’s enlightening to have three people (with such a background) interested,” Hovey said.
Councilor Walt Elish joined the others in expressing appreciation to those who applied to fill the vacancy left by the recent death of Council Chair Ed Nickerson.
“These were four great candidates. This says a lot about where we are as a Council and community,” said Elish, making the motion to appoint Smith to fill the unexpired four-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2010.
Smith currently serves as general manager/partner of Smith’s Farm Inc., a family-owned and -operated business where she has served in a number of capacities the past 13 years. She also is a member of several groups and organizations, including: NMCC Foundation Board of Directors; NMCC Alumni Board of Directors; Maine Migrant Health Program Board of Directors; USDOL liaison for foreign-born worker development; FFA student mentor; Momentum Aroostook; and LEAD (Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development); 2009 finalist for Aroostook’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Other candidates for the vacancy included: Brent S. Anderson, currently an adjunct instructor of American government with the University of Maine at Presque Isle and member of the Presque Isle Planning Board; Tim D. Brown, vice president, engineering and operations, at Maine & Maritimes Corporation and Maine Public Service; and Francis E. Bemis, co-founder of the law firm Bemis and Rossignol, LLC, and former member of the city’s Planning Board.
