Six candidates are seeking four available seats on the Houlton Town council.
The Houlton Pioneer Times provided the six individuals with an opportunity to submit candidate profiles.
Four individuals — Sue Tortello, Paul Cleary, Carl Lord and Robert Hannigan — are seeking one of three 3-year terms on the Houlton Town Council. The seats currently belong to Walter Goodrich, Tortello and Brian Donnelly. Goodrich was unable to run for re-election due to term limits, while Donnelly chose not to seek another term.
Two candidates are looking to fill a one-year term on the council. That seat is presently held by Michael Jenkins, who was appointed Nov. 22, 2010. Jenkins will be challenged for the remaining one-year seat by former town councilor Phil Bernaiche.
Similar profiles were done for the SAD 29 school board. Those profiles appeared in last week’s paper.
Philip Bernaiche
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? I am a former member of Houlton Town Council, Board of Budget Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, Road Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Board of Assessment Review.
What is your career background? I was an employee of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for years. I also worked for a store called the Food Center on upper Military Street, where I repaired televisions and white goods for 17 years. I ventured out on my own as Phil’s Colored T.V. Service until my retirement.
What made you decide to run for this office? I decided to run for the one-year candidate on Town Council because Houlton needs a change. What is so good about town government is that it brings different individuals together with different ideas. Presently, we have a town government that votes the same and thinks the same. This is called “Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” mentality. This way of thinking needs to go and we will start to see a real change.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the community you will serve? An important issue facing Houlton today is Economic and Community Development because they both add growth and jobs to the community. The town, Chamber of Commerce and SADC need to continue to work together to solve these issues. Also, the town needs to reduce spending and take steps in a different direction. The council needs to wake up to the fact that we are experiencing a recession. The people are at a critical point with no jobs.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? My primary goal if elected is to keep the people informed. Also, I would like to create an honest government that allows information to be communicated in an up-front manner.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me if they want a true leader. A true leader does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and honesty. I am one of those leaders. In the end, leaders are much like the eagle … they don’t flock. I am the “People’s Candidate” with experience and am always looking out for the best interests of the citizens of Houlton, Maine. If elected Nov. 8, I will do my best to serve you all.
Paul J. Cleary
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Town Council (1999-2002, chairman 2001-02); Town Council (2003-06); Town Council (2006-09, chairman 2006-09); SAD 29 School Board (March 2011-November 2011); member Houlton Fair Association (1998-present, president Houlton Fair Association 2006-present); vice president Houlton Fair Association (2003-06); Charter Member and Past President Red Cup Society (1998-present).
What is your career background? I have job experience in broadcasting, sales and marketing; am a former business owner of Cleary Marketing; and a local youth basketball coach.
What made you decide to run for this office? I wanted to get back involved in the community. I’ve been off council for two years and wanted to continue with the progress we made when I was on council. The town is moving in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the town of Houlton today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? It’s the same thing every year — budget and taxes. How do you keep your budget down, so the mil rate stays the same or doesn’t increase by still providing the same services that everybody in town expects. The way to fix this is to set priorities on what we need to fund, and come up with creative ways to make things happen. The budget should also be a partnership between the town of Houlton and the SAD 29 school board as well as the county. A lot of factors affect the budget that the town council and town manager have no control over. But working together maybe we can all work to the same solution.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? Work towards a stable mill rate for the town and to be able to provide the services for this town that are needed. Support economic development as well as private opportunities to expand in the town. Work with the town manager and the current town council to continue to make Houlton a place for people to want to come to and stay here and raise a family.
Why should people vote for you? Experience, I’ve been involved with the town council for nine of the last 12 years, I have experience of being on the school board, and being a former small business owner as well as a current taxpayer in the town of Houlton. I understand the struggles that people face every day. I’m not one to hide from an issue or a problem and I’m willing to jump in and help to find a solution and make a problem go away. I will make a decision on how to vote on an issue by information received, not by the word on the street. When I was on council in the past, I welcomed phone calls from residents to discuss anything and will do the same if elected in November.
Robert Hannigan
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
What is your career background? I have been employed by Community Living Association for 17 years, where I currently hold a position of home manager. I am a director on the Houlton Fair Board. I have been a volunteer fireman for the town for the last 17 years.
What made you decide to run for this office? I have been involved with the zoning board of appeals for many years, and have always had an interest in doing what I can to make Houlton a better place to live. I enjoy being able to make a difference. I have been a volunteer for Houlton Fire Dept. for 17 years and giving back to the community is something that I enjoy.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the town of Houlton today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? Creating new revenue and maintaining what we already have. I will work with the Chamber of Commerce and the economic director of the town and the townspeople themselves to bring in more stores they want and more social activities for the town to participate in to help promote Houlton as a positive growing community.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? To make our town a little more youth friendly and give our teenagers a place to go.
Why should people vote for you? I feel I have a lot of character, I am an honest person, and I will do my best to see that every citizen of Houlton will be heard.
Michael Jenkins
Full name: Michael Jenkins
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? None listed.
What is your career background? I have worked for the Postal Service for over 25 years in varying capacities. I am currently the Postmaster in Monticello.
What made you decide to run for this office? I want to continue serving in my capacity as a town councilor. There are numerous issues that need to be addressed and I would like to be involved in the process. I have learned a great deal from serving this past year with a talented group of councilors, town employees and a crackerjack Town Manager. I look forward to the challenge.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the town of Houlton today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? Sources of revenue. As the economy has suffered, revenues have dropped. The federal and state governments are passing on more mandates, but not the funds to carry out the programs. The budget for the upcoming years is going to be tough, but we need to try to hold down taxes and decrease spending. I think we can gain more revenue by monitoring and fine tuning existing sources.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? To work to maintain and hopefully improve the services we all enjoy as citizens of Houlton.
Why should people vote for you? I bring a fresh set of eyes to the council and have demonstrated the ability to work in an environment where there are differences in opinion.
Carl Lord Jr.
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Houlton Town Council 2004-07 and first year as co-chairman; Board of Budget Review for seven years, two of those as chairman; Zoning Board of Appeals for three years; Road Advisory Committee for seven years; Board of Assessment Review for six years; and Southern Aroostook Development Corp. for six years.
What is your career background? Worked in a sawmill full-time my last year of high school, worked for a farmer and worked under MDOT, worked as a high-pressure boiler operator for 27 years, where I was a shift supervisor trainee, have a certificate in ergonomics, took an A-Z Grant Writing course at NMTC and presently work for C.M.C. Maintenance at the Houlton and Orient ports of entry and the Hodgdon Border Patrol.
What made you decide to run for this office? I believe the town is still headed in the right direction, but you still need elected officials who will not just rubber-stamp everything that comes before them. I believe having open discussions in public and talking about the issues is part of making a good decision. If you have a different view, then you should express it, keeping what is best for the town of Houlton and its citizens as your No. 1 goal. From what I see, I believe we should have less lobbyists and elect people that are for the citizens and not just special interest groups. Vote for me and you will get a vote for what is in the best interest of the town and the citizens.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the town of Houlton today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? The mill rate still tops the list of concerns for me. When businesses and citizens want to move to Houlton, this is one of the things that they look at along with the school system, hospitals and also the government of the town. I believe the council today as it stands does not project a true image of Houlton and its citizens. Rubber stamping just about everything is not good. To others it looks like the council is working together, but in reality I believe it is just the opposite. To change the mill rate and to project a good image of Houlton, I believe this is what needs to happen. Slow down the spending habits; tax everyone and everything fairly with no exceptions. When common sense tells you that something is wrong, speak out about it and don’t just go along with what everyone else says. Stand up for what you believe even if it means standing alone. I believe this is the only way people would want you to act.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? My primary goal would be to get the council to have more open discussions, even if we have talked it over with the town manager. You are elected by the people and that warrants a decision in my opinion. Also the budget would be slowed down and not just pushed or railroaded through. I believe a $9.2 million budget should be discussed more than it has. Every year I always have a lot of questions so I am sure other people do also.
Why should people vote for you: First I would have to say, I tell is as it is and how I see it. When hard times come, I will not sugarcoat anything. If we as a council are doing something wrong, I hope the public would tell us how they really feel as I know I would do the same. As a past councilor, I believe nothing is more important than talking to the citizens. Truth, integrity and courage are a big part of who I am. If I speak out and am the only one, I don’t mind standing alone. I will do what is best for the town and its citizens. I like working for the underdog and the people of the town of Houlton. My actions speak louder than words. I have proven to the citizens now and in the past 11 years that I am one of you, working for you and have proven my leadership. Vote for me, Carl Lord Jr., for Houlton town council. Thank you.
Susan M. Tortello
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned that will help assist you if elected? Houlton Town Council (2006–present); town of Houlton Planning Board for six years (served several years as Planning Board secretary); town of Houlton Board of Budget Review (elected to and served a 3–year term).
Formerly served on these boards and/or committees: town of Houlton Comprehensive Planning Committee; School Regional Planning Committee for the proposed Tri-County School; SAD 29 School Health Advisory Committee; advisory board of the Salvation Army, Houlton; Pastoral Council, St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church, Houlton; alternate member of the Old Town Zoning Board of Appeals; alumni of the Houlton Citizens Police Academy; and alumni of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program.
What is your career background? Early Work History 1977–96: Nineteen years as a professional forester for several forest product companies in Louisiana, Texas and Maine. (Boise Southern Company, Kirby Forest Industries, and Champion International Corporation). Last forestry position was with Champion International Corporation in Costigan, Maine. Left Champion to return to school to become a dietitian. Attended the University of Maine at Orono from fall 1996-December 1999, where I earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nutrition and completed my dietetic internship.
Resident of Houlton since December of 1999, employed as a nutritionist for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians since January 2000. Registered Dietitian (RD) and Licensed Dietitian (LD) State of Maine; Licensed Forester (LF) state of Maine; and Notary Public, state of Maine.
What made you decide to run for this office? I chose to run for re-election to the Houlton Town Council because I believe it’s important to sustain the forward momentum and positive progress we’ve accomplished during the past several years. Good things are happening in Houlton and I’m proud to be a part of it! I’m also a realist. There are many challenges council will be facing in the coming year, including: an uncertain economic climate, budget cuts at the state and federal level that can negatively impact municipalities, escalating energy costs and the potential for an extended winter season that could place a burden on our plowing and road maintenance accounts. The timing is crucial to field a council with members who are competent forward-thinkers and who are willing and able to tackle these types of challenges. I hope I have demonstrated to the voters of the town of Houlton that I have these attributes.
What do you see as the most important issue facing the town of Houlton today and in the next three years (and how will you work to fix it)? There are two issues I’d rate as “the most important” facing the town today and in the next three years. They are: reductions in state revenue sharing and the condition of our undesignated fund balance. They’re related issues and how we respond to them is important. Due to shortfalls in revenue, particularly from major cuts over the last two years in the amount of revenue the town has received from the state, our undesignated fund balance has fallen to a level that’s lower than we’d like it to be. I’ll work to fix this by supporting actions that reduce our dependency on revenue sharing and help grow the fund balance. Activities I’ll champion are those that encourage business development to expand our tax base, and projects that create new revenue streams or maximize existing income sources. I’ll also continue to work to keep expenses low and to use our TIF accounts wisely.
What will be your primary goal, if elected (give specifics)? My primary goal is to provide essential quality services to the residents of the town of Houlton, while maintaining a stable tax rate. A personal goal of mine is to assure the town’s business is conducted in a responsive, courteous, and fiscally responsible manner.
Why should people vote for you? There’s a quote I like very much that’s attributed to Benjamin Franklin that I use as a guide. “Well done is better than well said.” I try to do — not just say I’ll do — the types of things that would prompt me to vote for someone for council. Things like having a high attendance record at meetings, being prepared and informed on issues, listening and responding to citizen complaints and questions, being fair and transparent, representing the town at events and functions and positively promoting Houlton. Most importantly, giving my all to the position to which I’ve been entrusted. I hope by my actions I’ve shown I’m worthy of your vote.
