Three seek council seats – Ketch eyes continued growth

    Name: Nancy P. Ketch.
    Hometown: Houlton.
    What are some of the other political offices you have held, honors or titles you have earned?
    “I am completing a three-year term on the Houlton Town Council and seeking reelection. Prior to that, I served a three-year term on the Board of Budget Review. During my professional career, I have served on boards and committees for a variety of community, regional and statewide organizations, including being a current member and past president of the Houlton Rotary Club. I have served on the Rotary Board of Directors for several years and have been presented a Paul Harris Fellowship. I worked at the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce for nearly 13 years. During those years, I served as president of the Association of Aroostook Chambers of Commerce and the Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and served on the boards of the Maine Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Maine Tourism Association. I have served on the Board of Visitors at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. I’m currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Houlton Regional Hospital and as president of the Houlton High School Alumni Association.”
    What is your career background?
    “I worked for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce for nearly 13 years, first as marketing director for the Downtown Revitalization Project and then as the Executive Director. For the past 10 years, I have been employed as a senior tax examiner for Maine Revenue Services.
    Why are you running for office?
    “When I ran for the term that I am currently serving was due to a desire to be involved in the community and to give back to the community that I love. Having served nearly three years on the town council, I would like the opportunity to continue the work that is being done. There are many exciting things ahead for the town of Houlton and I hope to be a part of them in some way. I also believe my background and experience give me insight into many town issues and I have a lot of budget experience with the town and other organizations.”
    What are some of the most important issue facing Houlton?
    “I believe economic development is always a key to a successful community. Bringing business to town creates tax base and jobs, which generate the revenue so the town can provide the vital services that it does. We have created a very successful economic development partnership with several key organizations in town and we need to nurture these partnerships and continue them to realize continued growth.”
    What will be your primary goal if elected? 
    “I want to do what I can to support the economic development process we have in place so we are ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come our way.”
    Why should people vote for you?
    “I believe I have served the community well during the past three years and would like to continue to do so.  I have lived in Houlton all of my life and am committed to seeing the community prosper.  My background and involvement in community organizations allows me unique insight and I have a strong budgeting background.”