Houlton voters to fill council, SAD 29 seats

HOULTON – With less than a month until Election Day, bright signs urging voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates are popping up all over town.

Town Clerk Cathy O’Leary said Friday she expects voters to turn out in force to elect local, state and national representatives.

Three candidates are vying for two open seats on the Town Council, which are being vacated by Councilors Kent Good and Dale Flewelling.

Dr. Paul Romanelli, a former council chairman, is hoping for one spot, as is Carl Lord, the current chairman of the board of budget review. Stan Ginish, who recently moved to Houlton, also is campaigning for a council seat.

Three seats are open on the SAD 29 board of directors, according to O’Leary. Marcus Russell III, Donna Burpee, D. Scott White and incumbent Kim Thompson all are hoping to fill two three-year slots. Another incumbent, Glenn Miller, is running unopposed for the open two-year slot on the board.

Scott Austin, Sue Tortello and Albert Fitzpatrick are competing to fill two openings on the board of directors of the Houlton Water Co.

Only two residents are running for the three vacant seats on the board of budget review. Bruce Haggerty and James Brown are on the ballot for the two-year terms. O’Leary said on Friday that the third slot, a one-year term, most likely will be filled by a write-in candidate.

Voters also will have one local referendum question to decide on Nov. 2. This year, constituents will decide whether or not to allow Sunday sales of alcohol for on-premises consumption.

Currently, alcohol can be purchased on Sunday only at state agency liquor stores. According to the town clerk, members of the Houlton Lodge of Elks submitted a petition with enough signatures to get the question on the ballot.

If approved, residents would be allowed to consume alcohol on Sundays at licensed establishments, such as clubs or restaurants. Sunday sales of alcohol at convenience stores will remain unchanged by the results of the vote.

Residents can cast ballots at the Gentle Memorial Building from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.