MADAWASKA, Maine – Madawaska residents elected Renee Deschaine to the town selectboard during a special election on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The election was held after selectman Michael Williams resigned on Oct. 11, leaving a vacancy on the five-person board. Williams cited unforeseen circumstances preventing him from giving the board a 100 percent effort as the reason for his resignation. His term would have ended in June of 2027.
Earlier this year, town manager Gary Picard and Selectman Christopher Braley both resigned. Williams was elected in June to fill the vacancy left after Braley’s resignation.
When the board set the date for the special election, Chairman Jason Boucher said it would cost the town between $1,000 and $2,000 to hold the election.
The board ultimately decided to hold a special election instead of waiting for the next year’s regular election, citing the importance of having full representation for the town with five members.
Deschaine ran along with three others – Alexandre Picard, Helen Hebert, and Vincent Frallicardi.
A total of 234 ballots were cast. Deschaine received 128 votes with Frallicciardi receiving 79 votes, Hebert receiving 16 and Picard getting 8 votes. There were two write-ins, one for Paul Lausier, another for Jamie Pelletier, and one ballot was left blank.
Deschaine, age 46, said she was inspired to run because she deeply cares about Madawaska and its future. She is registered as an independent voter, which she said reflects her belief in focusing on broad, inclusive perspectives that best serve the community. She has experience working for several law firms as well as creating budgets, investigating operational inefficiencies, human resources, and staffing and accounting.
In an interview before the election, she said she hopes to keep up the positive momentum happening in town.
“I want to ensure that Madawaska is well-prepared for the challenges ahead, strengthening our economy, improving infrastructure, and preserving what makes Madawaska unique,” she said. “Retention of our residents, their children, and generations to come is paramount.”
The town’s next board of selectmen meeting is set for Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the town office’s council chambers.
