Voters in Topsham will have two select board candidates on the ballot, both running unopposed for their seats.

They’ll also decide two ballot questions: one about creating a tax increment financing district for an affordable housing development and another nonbinding question gauging residents’ opinions on allowing recreational cannabis sellers in town.

Here’s what the two select board candidates had to say about what they hope to achieve on town government.

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

David Kenney

Kenney is running for the seat held by Marie Brillant, who is not running for reelection. Kenney ran unsuccessfully for town office in 2023.

Tell voters about yourself. What makes you qualified for town government?

Kenney retired from a firefighting career in 2018 after serving as a part of the Brunswick, Portland and Topsham departments. He was born and raised in Brunswick and has lived in Topsham for about 30 years.

“I feel like I have something to give; being that I was a municipal employee, I’m familiar with a lot of the processes and services that are needed in this community,” Kenney said.

Kenney said he wants to make decisions in the best interests of Topsham’s taxpayers.

“I want to help to continue the success of Topsham,” he said. “In my opinion, Topsham is doing very well. We have a great team of people at all levels, from the current select board, our town manager, right down to our municipal workers.”

What are the most pressing issues you want to address on Topsham Select Board?

Kenney said his top focus is striking a balance in commercial and residential development while keeping the town from expanding too fast without the proper resources.

“One of my focuses is I do support commercial and residential development, but I have a concern that we don’t get so big that our infrastructure can’t support any expansion,” Kenney said. “I want to make sure we maintain that balance.”

Mike Labbe

Labbe is running for the seat currently held by Matthew Nixon, who is not running for reelection.

Tell voters about yourself. What makes you qualified for town government?

Labbe was born and raised in Topsham and worked for the town for more than 50 years, serving as the EMS director for the Fire Department.

“I could be an asset to [the select board],” he said.

What are the most pressing issues you want to address on Topsham Select Board?

Labbe didn’t point to specific issues, but said he would like to keep the town on a “steady” track.

“Keep taxes down and continue the way the town’s running,” he said.

What is your approach to town development?

Labbe says he encourages commercial and residential development, and would like to work with Topsham Development, Inc., Topsham’s economic and community development organization, to keep the tax base equalized.

Also on the ballot

On the School Administrative District 75 board, Topsham representative Haley Kulas is up for reelection this November and is running unopposed. Andrew Begin, of Bowdoinham, is also up for another term.

The TIF (tax increment financing) ballot question asks if voters support a funding mechanism that would help developers build a four-story apartment building on Union Park Road. If voters approve the 30-year TIF, planning work would begin on the 183-unit building, which would include affordable housing units and award first preference to renters who work in and around Topsham.