HOULTON, Maine — With just one week to go before the deadline is reached, races for several key seats in town government are beginning to take shape.
Two, three-year seats on the Houlton Town Council are up for grabs. Those seats are currently held by councilors John Fitzpatrick and John White Jr. Fitzpatrick is unable to run again due to term limits, which state a councilor may only serve two consecutive, three-year terms. In order to run again, an individual must take two full years off from serving on the council.
White has taken out nomination papers to seek re-election.
Other individuals who have taken out nomination papers for the council include Priscilla Monroe, Dushko Vulchev, Mike Jenkins, Wade Hanson and Carl Lord Jr. As of Tuesday morning, only Monroe has turned her papers in to the town office.
Also available are two, three-year director’s seats on the RSU 29 school board. Darrell Scott White and Fred Grant currently hold those seats. Both White and Grant have taken out nomination papers to seek re-election. The RSU 29 board does not have a term limits policy.
Additional candidates for the RSU 29 school board include Jeremiah Crockett and Vulchev.
Other positions available include three seats on the town’s Board of Budget Review for three-year terms, as well as two one-year positions. As of Tuesday morning, Phil Bernaiche was the only resident to take out nomination papers for the budget committee.
Three individuals — Scott Austin, Albert Fitzpatrick and Micah Swallow — are seeking seats on the Houlton Water Company board of trustees.
There is one candidate — Leigh Cummings — for a seat on the Cary Library board of trustees.
All nomination papers must have 83 signatures from registered voters in Houlton. Forms are available at the town office, 21 Water St., during normal business hours and must be returned before 4 p.m. on Sept. 16. For more information, call 532-7111.
