Two are running in uncontested Houlton Town Council race |
HOULTON, Maine — Two candidates are running for two open three-year term seats on the seven-member Houlton Town Council.
The incumbent candidate, Edward Lake is running for a second three-year term.
Both candidates, Lake and Erin Matthews, said that economic development and revitalization is important to the town.
A sample ballot is available online and at the Houlton Town Office. Voting is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5 at the Gentle Memorial Building also known as the Houlton Recreation Center at 128 Maine St.
Town Council, two 3-year terms
Name: Edward Lake
Age: 75
Party Affiliation: Republican
Education: Oakfield High School graduate
Employment: Retired
Family: Lake and his wife Jean live in Houlton with their four-legged son, Oliver. Their other children live around the state with a daughter in Easton, a son in Stacyville, a son in Bangor and a daughter in Poland Springs.
Why are you running for Town Council?
We have a good council right now and I like working with them. I’d like to try to revitalize the downtown and get that up and going again. I would like to help out around the town to see if we can improve things and get some economic growth.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected?
1 – Revitalization
2 – Economic growth
3 – Betterment of the town
Name: Erin Matthews
Age: 45
Party Affiliation: Independent
Education: I am a Houlton High School Graduate. I attended University of New England after high school, but ultimately chose a career in which I could pursue my passion for animals.
Employment: I am a Veterinary Technician at Hotham’s Veterinary Services
Family: I am married and have one grown son, as well as a houseful of ‘four-legged children’.
Why are you running for town council?
My ultimate goal is to strengthen my understanding of, and connection to, our beautiful town. I am eager to be a voice for our community and have recently felt the need to do something to try and make our community better.
What are the top three priorities you wish to address if elected?
1 – My top priority is to show those around me that a difference can be made if you so choose to become involved. I strongly believe that positive changes on a small local level can make a huge impact. In today’s world of technology and social media, we are all quick to voice opinions and judge the decisions of our local government, and I want to be one to take action in hopes that others will follow.
2 – I will strongly promote economic development and growth. Our area has so many wonderful small businesses and I hope to be able to provide support to those working so hard to achieve success at a small local level. I also believe that we must be willing to grow economically at a larger level to ensure the retention of our youth and make this community a place where they can stay and succeed in building a happy and prosperous future.
3 – Lastly, I wish to add diversity to our town government. I hope to bring new ideas and a fresh outlook to the challenges our community faces. I love our little town and hope to be a driving force to make it safe and strong for many years to come.
