Hampden limits candidates’ roles

HAMPDEN – Numerous ethical debates surface during election years, but with two councilors running for the state Legislature, the town Monday night reassessed its communications policy to ensure fairness to all candidates.

After April 1, any candidate seeking election will not be allowed to write for the town newsletter, Hampden Highlights, or appear on the government access cable channel programming. That applies once an individual’s candidacy is official and papers have been returned.

Mayor Rick Briggs and Councilor Andre Cushing III will run in June’s Republican primary for the state House of Representatives District 39 seat.

“The intent of the motion is to make sure … we are fair and transparent to how we treat this,” said Councilor Shannon Cox. “We cannot limit someone who does not have access to [the newsletter and broadcasts] for the same exposure.”

The council’s communications committee oversees the town publication and broadcasts in its mission to inform residents about municipal operations, deadlines and events. The committee relies on volunteers to produce content, which often falls to councilors. Cushing, who is the vice chairman of the communications committee, often serves as the host for broadcast pieces. A broadcast about Briggs is scheduled to run next week, which highlights the duties and responsibilities of Hampden’s mayor. Both Cushing and Briggs said the broadcast was filmed long before either announced candidacy, but was recently edited and readied for air.

While the Federal Communications Commission limits candidate advertising, the council said it wanted to eliminate any appearance of impropriety. Under the new policy, councilors and other community members actively volunteering in these print and broadcast roles would not have an advantage over those who do not.

The policy would be used in the event of any election, whether state, federal, local, regular, primary or special. Elected officials can be filmed while fulfilling currently held positions, which means both Briggs and Cushing will continue to appear on the live bi-monthly council meeting broadcasts.

“We’re trying to be fair and honest, and I think we have accomplished that,” Briggs said.

Also at the meeting:

. Councilors signed an agreement with the law firm Pierce Atwood to represent the town in the potential annexing of the Hampden Water District. Town Manager Susan Lessard said the agreement allows for Pierce Atwood to be at the town’s disposal, but Hampden would not pay unless services were provided.

. Councilors Thomas Brann, Matthew Arnett and Ed Murphy were appointed to serve on a committee with three members of the water district to investigate saving taxpayer money through combining local resources. Briggs will serve as an alternate.

. Dollars for Scholars will have a tollbooth set up from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, on Route 1A near the SAD 22 superintendent’s office to collect money for student scholarships.

. Councilors voted to close the town office at 4:30 p.m. year-round. From Jan. 1 to March 31 it closed at 4:30 p.m., but remained open until 5 p.m. on all other dates.

. Councilors challenged officials from Bangor, Brewer and Veazie to up the ante at this year’s “Hike for the Homeless,” which helps raise money and awareness for the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Details for the May 10 challenge will soon be available.

trobbins@bangordailynews.net

990-8074