BRUNSWICK — The Town Council race between Sande Updegraph and Dan Ankeles might be one of the least contentious races you’ve seen in this year’s local politics.
The two candidates admittedly hold very similar views, and have nothing but respect for each other, they agreed.
“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather run alongside,” Ankeles said at a recent candidate forum at Sunnybrook Senior Living.
The major differences between them are where their experience originates. Ankeles has done more statewide work as a legislative aide for the Maine House Democrats and a former member of the towns recreation and the rivers and coastal waters commissions. Updegraph, on the other hand, is involved with civic groups and membership organizations including the Planning Board, the Bridge Design Advisory Committee, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, the Village Review Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and the Freeport Economic Development Corporation.
Ankeles is a strong supporter of public education, in part because they are a driving force for the town’s economy. “If schools get bad we will have revenue problems” across the board, he said.
One of his major goals is to draw entrepreneurs to Brunswick “that could create an economic ripple effect.” Exploring more options for parking downtown is also a priority, he said.
Updegraph, also a supporter of education, said she would like to see more collaboration between the schools and the town, possibly through joint meetings. One of the main struggles with budgetary needs between the two groups is perception, she said. Such meetings would make it so that “people can better understand the needs coming down the line.”
Both candidates agree that the next town council will have to address both the growing affordable housing needs of the community and property tax relief for seniors.
“I’ve been knocking on over 1,000 doors,” Ankeles said. “I care about what happens to every Brunswick family.”
Updegraph, too, said she has a vision for a “livable and sustainable” Brunswick that she will continue working toward.
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