Standish Town Council

Area 2

This seat, filled by Councilor Betty Edwards who was appointed last fall, is open. Incumbent Edwards and Jeff Burgess are running for the seat.

Betty Edwards, incumbent

Edwards, 92, lives on Deborah Lane in Standish. During the 30 years Edwards has lived in Standish, she has served on several town committees including an 11-year stint on the planning board. More recently, she has lent her services to a senior housing committee and is on the Community Center Development Committee.

Edwards was unanimously appointed to her town council seat in November when longtime council member Dolores Lymburne, now deceased, was unable to finish her term. Originally, Edwards planned to leave when the term ran out but feels as though her work is not quite done.

“I chose to run to fill out another year to support the district I represent,” said Edwards. “I have a longstanding interest in Standish and its future.”

Edwards is very active in the community. She belongs to the Grandaflora Garden Club, the local chapter of the Red Hat Society, Barbara’s Red Hatters, and volunteers each Election Day at the polls checking in voters.

According to Edwards, Standish is facing major issues in the near future including ordinance changes, roadway planning, a new village design and a possible multi-million dollar community center, all of which she wants to be part of. Edwards said she is “impressed constantly” with the committees who have plans for these issues and looks forward to continuing her work with them.

“This is an invigorating and exciting time for Standish which will greatly enhance the future and add history to this lovely old town,” said Edwards. “If you vote for me, I will certainly do my best to keep achieving these goals.”

Jeff Burgess

Burgess, 51, shares his Cathedral Drive home with wife Sonya. Burgess has a bachelor’s in social science, and a master’s of business administration. He is currently the operations director of Catholic Charities of Maine and sells real estate for Benchmark Realty in Portland.

Burgess currently serves the community of Standish as a member of the Budget Committee.

Burgess believes his experience with multi-million-dollar budgets will be an asset to the town council.

“I want to lend my budget experience to the council as the town budget is being squeezed,” said Burgess. “I think the taxpayers expect the council to look at other places for funds before pulling the trigger on taxes.”

Burgess feels there are several issues in Standish that need immediate attention. Possibly the most important to him is the community center.

“We need to take a hard look at the budget for the community center,” said Burgess. “I am for a community center, but I think the annual cost to run it is just too much. We need to have lower cost alternatives.”

Senior housing is another issue Burgess plans to take a look at.

“Current senior housing in Standish is nothing compared to what we need,” said Burgess.

If elected to the council, Burgess will also look into solutions for the traffic situation which he states is a “virtual nightmare.” He also wants to help with new historic preservation laws.

Area 3

This seat, filled by Councilor Larry Simpson for nine years, is open. Incumbent Simpson and Wayne Newbegin are running for the seat.

Larry Simpson, incumbent

Simpson, 73, lives on Richville Road with his wife of 50 years, June. Simpson is a nine-year veteran of the Standish Town Council. He was the first elected chairman when the council was formed in the early 1980s.

“I think I have a lot of experience, and there are a lot of crucial projects coming up,” said Simpson. “I know I still have a lot to offer.”

In the past, Simpson has served as chairman of the planning board, where he was a part of the original zoning and housing development ordinances in Standish. He also served on the original building committee for Bonny Eagle High School. As the chairman of the finance committee, Simpson has helped to keep the mil rate as one of the lowest in Cumberland County. Simpson is also a member of the recycling committee and a member of the Portland Water District steering committee.

Simpson was a Maine State Representative for two terms serving the town of Standish.

One of the biggest issues for Simpson is the proposed Community Center.

“This is a big issue, I want to be there to continue my work on it,” said Simpson.

Wayne Newbegin

Newbegin, 67, lives on Harmon’s Beach Road and has been a Standish citizen for more than 20 years. Although retired, Newbegin stays active playing golf, and making cabinets and other furniture for his children.

Vice chairman of the planning board for the past two years, Newbegin has also served as chair for the roadway planning committee and spent three years on the comprehensive plan advisory committee. He also spent time serving the town as a member of the board of assessment review.

Newbegin is a member of the American Legion Post 128 in Standish.

As a member of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Newbegin said there are important issues facing the town of Standish including the new village design and the drafting of a new historic district ordinance.

“I want to be a part of these things and see how they develop,” said Newbegin.

Like other candidates, Newbegin has concerns about the proposed community center.

“I definitely have concerns about the center,” said Newbegin. “I want to know all the facts, and look at the actual cost for the town.”

His other main objectives will be to keep taxes low, and provide adequate senior housing for Standish’s older citizens.

“The key is to keep our senior people where they want to be, in Standish,” said Newbegin. “For them to want to live here, we need decent senior housing.”

Town Council at large:

This seat, filled by Councilor Terry Christy for six years, is open. It represents voters in all of Standish. Incumbent Christy is running unopposed for the seat.

Terry Christy

Christy, 68, lives with his wife of 42 years, Kathryn, on Dolloff Road. He is a retired United States history teacher and former athletic coach and superintendent of the Windham School District.

Christy, the current chair, has served on the Town Council for six years and has been chair twice. Before moving to Standish, Christy served on the South Portland City Council. He started in local government because he believes people should participate in the community.

Christy is running again to “continue what I feel is good work for the community.”

One of Christy’s long-term goals for Standish has been to find an accessible beach for residents.

“I have always wanted to provide the citizens of Standish with their own beach,” said Christy. “I will continue to look into that as well as much needed senior housing.”

Christy, who is running unopposed, will also continue to be a servant for the people he serves.

“Before I act on anything of major importance, I make sure to always reach out to the people of Standish. What they want is key,” Christy said.