PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Come Nov. 5, Presque Isle residents will determine who they want to represent them on the city council for the next four years. Michael Chasse, Jake Shaw are both up for re-election and newcomer Donald Gardner, is also vying for one of the two open four-year term seats.
Ballot questionnaires were sent out by email to candidates last week. Shaw and Chasse returned their questionnaires to the Star-Herald while Gardner did not. Voting will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sargent Family Community Center at 24 Chapman Street.
Below are the candidates’ responses:
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned?
Michael Chasse: I have served as a Presque Isle city councilor since 2013 and am the current chairman. I am a Rotarian, Bigrock Board of Director, University of Maine Senior Skull, Alumnus President of the engineering and electrical engineering societies Tau Beta Pi, and Eta Kappa Nu.
Jacob Shaw: The city council was my first political office. The most prominent group I belong to outside of the city council is the Maine Army National Guard.
What is your career background?
Chasse: I graduated from the University of Maine in 2004 as an electrical engineer with a specialty in industrial controls and power systems … In 2007 I was injured in a skiing accident which nearly ended my life and paralyzed a significant portion of my body. After returning home, I have focused on volunteering in the community; advocating for people with disabilities; and helping my family with their retail business, Bike Board and Ski, in downtown Presque Isle.
Shaw: After recently graduating with a degree in accounting, I started my career at DFAS, which is a branch of the DOD that provides accounting services to the military. I’m currently pursuing a second degree in governmental/not-for-profit accounting.
What made you decide to run for Presque Isle City Council?
Chasse: Because I care deeply for this community. As a lifelong Presque Isle resident, I’ve always had a deep appreciation and concern for the health and viability of our community. This has only been reinforced during my time on City Council, and through this role I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the city and realized what an incredible difference a dedicated group of individuals can make. This, at its very core, is why I’d like to run for City Council again — to help make a positive and lasting difference for my community.
Shaw: I’ve strived to be an example to younger citizens raised in Presque Isle and show that you can lead a successful and fulfilling life right here in Aroostook county. I want to continue to be a liaison for the younger population Presque Isle is struggling so hard to retain.
What do you see as the most important issue facing Aroostook County?
Chasse: Out-migration of our youth. This is such a special place to live, but we must find more ways to bring good paying jobs and industry here to keep our youth from moving away.
Shaw: Our most important issue is to continue last year’s trend of decreasing our millage rate without sacrificing amenities. This should be done with a multiple step approach of first, increasing our tax base by finding work for unemployed citizens, and attracting new citizens. Secondly, by increasing revenue through new business, and equally as important the growth of existing business.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected?
Chasse: To take a level-headed approach to balancing the needs of the community with what the citizens can afford along with what makes the most sense for the long-term economic health of Presque Isle. I will always keep an open mind and listen to the citizens and do my very best for Presque Isle.
Shaw: First and foremost, our goal as councilors is to keep a flat or decreasing budget, while searching for ways to maintain or increase services … Marketing Presque Isle to new business that will complement our workforce skills and current industries and partnering those factors up is my ideal path to growth. If the retention of young citizens is a concern for you, having a young and motivated councilor represent those citizens is imperative.
