Three seek council seats – Grant plans fresh ideas for town

    Name: Frederick Gates Grant.
    Hometown: Houlton.
    What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned?     
    “I’ve never run for office before, but I have served as president of the Houlton Rotary Club in 2008-2009. It was an honor to lead an outstanding organization that has done so much for the greater Houlton area.
    What is your career background?
    “After graduating from the University of Hartford in 1993 I worked for four years in the Office of Residential Life at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y. as a Residence Hall Director and later as the Assistant Director of Residence Life. While there, I earned my MBA. In 1997 I moved to the Boston area to work as the Associate Director of Campus Life at Babson College. I was later promoted to the Director of Campus Life and I left my position in 2005 to run my company, CollegeHelpers.com, full-time. I continue to run CollegeHelpers.com here in Houlton and am finishing a new online business, HighSchoolHelpers.com, which will help anyone who has earned or is currently earning a high school diploma find employment opportunities.”
    What made you decide to run for this office?
    “I love Houlton and believe in its future. Additionally, I believe I can have a positive impact on the issues facing the town and believe strongly in serving my community which has given me, and my family, so much.”
    What do you see as the most important issue facing Houlton?
    “I see the most significant issue being the economy of the State. Current and pending legislation in Augusta is going to reduce the amount of revenue provided to Houlton which will negatively impact our bottom line. Our town government has done an excellent job keeping budgets lean while investing in opportunities that will financially benefit our community; however, more work is ahead. Now, more than ever, Houlton needs to find ways to be increasingly creative to protect the services we have come to rely on while at the same time providing more economic stability and increased employment opportunities.”
    What do you see as your primary goal, if elected?
    “My primary goal and the goal of the council should be to coordinate a unified vision for Houlton’s future and provide the enthusiasm, direction and leadership necessary for the community to achieve and maintain that vision.”
    Why should people vote for you?
    “While I’m a native son of Houlton, I also have had the opportunity to broaden my perspective through work and education in other parts of the country. I believe my enthusiasm, education, practical work experience, business background and involvement in the community will help me serve the town of Houlton well.”