Among other items on the ballot, Fort Fairfield residents will elect a new member of the town council on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Robert Kilcollins, Shane McGillan and Chris Perkins are running for one open seat on the council.
Each candidate was asked the same questions. Here, in alphabetical order, are responses from Kilcollins and McGillan. Perkins did not respond to the newspaper’s request for information.
Robert Kilcollins
What is your age? 64
Why are you running for this office? With my tenure of many years serving on the town council and chair, I have over 14 years experience with municipality law and budget. I know what it takes to make clear decisions with the facts in hand that will benefit our community.
Your education: Graduated high school and demonstrate high technical experience in different areas, being self employed for over 30 years.
Your employment: I own and operate Bob’s Service Repair and Bob’s Sports Shop in Fort Fairfield.
Your family: Happily married with five children and ten grandchildren.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Work on bringing new businesses and job opportunities to our community.
2. Support our agricultural community.
3. Continue to support my community by collaborative efforts with stakeholders in order to continue reducing our taxes.
Shane McGillan
What is your age? 31
Why are you running for this office? I feel our community needs more youth and new voice in town government. With my experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds, plus knowledge, decision-making and negotiating skills from my profession, I feel I can help move the town in a positive direction.
Your education: Associate’s degree in business, Northern Maine Community College.
Your employment: I am vice president and operations manager at McGillan Inc. in Fort Fairfield.
Your family: (No information provided)
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Work to create and preserve economic opportunity in our community.
2. Support our youth, improve and promote our community for current and prospective families to raise their families in Fort Fairfield.
3. Ensure municipal spending is done efficiently and cost effectively across all departments, with added focus on building a budget to repair town owned roadways.
Voters will also choose two SAD 20 school board members. Running uncontested for the open seats are Melissa Libby and Chalice White.
Fort Fairfield residents can cast their ballots from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the community center gym.
