WINDHAM – Voters will be deciding three Windham Town Council races Tuesday, Nov. 8 – two at-large seats and one East District representative.

All Windham voters cast ballots in each of the races.

As of filing deadline Sept. 26, Patrick Corey and incumbent Tommy Gleason were running for the three-year at-large seat; David Nadeau had declared for the three-year East District seat; and Dennis Welch had declared for the one-year at-large seat.

Since the filing deadline, two write-in candidates have filed papers with the town clerk. While their names will not appear on the ballot, Ryan McDonald is vying for the East District seat and John Carlberg is running for the one-year at-large seat.

Windham residents will probably be familiar with each of the candidates. Corey is a past columnist with the Lakes Region Weekly and attends Town Council meetings on a regular basis. Gleason, also a past columnist with the newspaper, has served on the council for the past year.

Nadeau has served on the Planning Board for 10 years and has run for council the last two cycles. Ryan McDonald, Nadeau’s write-in challenger, is a Planning Board member as well.

Dennis Welch ran for Westbrook City Council while living there several years ago and lives with former Councilor Carol Waig. His write-in challenger, John Carlberg, owns The Shelterman, located on Route 302 near Albion Road, and is also on the Planning Board.

According to Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell, who is running unopposed for a two-year term as clerk, the two write-ins are a rarity for recent elections.

“I can only remember one in my time here, which goes back quite a bit now,” she said.

The Lakes Region Weekly posed the following list of eight questions, each of which had a specific word limit, to the six Windham candidates:

WINDHAM TOWN COUNCIL AT-LARGE

(Three-year term)

Patrick Corey vs. Tommy Gleason (incumbent)

PATRICK COREY

Address: 353 River Road

Education: BFA, University of Southern Maine

Occupation: Self-employed Creative Director

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

I’m a council watcher. I have seen a lot of “go along to get along” that I don’t feel is productive, ethical, or based in reason. Way too many votes have occurred without a single dissent, even when councilors seem to be conflicted by their statements. While this may be due to the new two-meeting-a-month schedule, I attribute it to a desire to not make decisions in the open or as prescribed by the town’s governing documents. I will work with other councilors, but will never vote for something that is not good for Windham.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

Windham’s people. I’m humbled every day by the ability of Windham’s residents to step up and do extraordinary things. Within the last year, I saw residents create a community garden and grow food for Windham’s food pantry, the Historical Society launch an ambitious effort to preserve Windham’s past through a Living History Center, and Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors hold a first-ever fundraising gala to bring fuel oil to homes without heat. Not only individuals but many local businesses contributed to make these efforts possible. I’m inspired by seeing everyday people filling needs in their community when government cannot be the answer.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

1.) Lagging retail and hospitality industry sales. Windham’s economy is largely based in providing goods and services to residents and surrounding communities. Many factors, including a global recession, an expansion of retail growth in surrounding communities, and an inability to market itself as a destination, have influenced Windham’s ability to thrive. Anyone who drives through North Windham and sees empty storefronts and closed restaurants understands this. That said, businesses in other sections of Windham are suffering and need our attention too.

To ensure business-related progress we must develop, employ, and communicate a value proposition that resonates with surrounding communities and visitors to the region. A strong value proposition will strategically align members of our business community, attract organizations that can flourish, promote our strengths to both local and neighboring audiences, and help our leaders be mindful of the challenges business faces when operating in Windham.

2.) Ethics. I truly value virtue and believe that its role is supreme in town government. Without absolute trustworthiness, local government fails to legitimately meet the needs of everyone it serves, is unsuccessful in being a reliable guardian of taxes, and falls short of equitably administering local ordinances, the Charter, Council Rules of Procedure, and Municipal Code of Ethics. If elected, I will stand up for ethics and our ordinances-even when unpopular-and work fervently to make sure that all residents are treated equally.

3.) Future tax increases. Many of the decisions that the council has made with regard to zoning, fund balance policy, growth, infrastructure planning, and economic development will without a doubt result in higher future property taxes. If elected, keeping taxes down today and in the future will be my top priority. I will request that future tax implications be clearly communicated, discussed in public, and accompany all proposals.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

I’m not running for office to lead the town, rather use the opportunity to work with other councilors and town employees to serve Windham’s residents. I spend my days working with both businesses and nonprofit organizations to improve their bottom lines and visibility. Marketing is a results-driven business requiring out-of-the-box, well-planned solutions and metrics to measure success. These skills will allow me to work with local businesses to attract new customers and property owners to fill empty storefronts. My commitment to using my skills to better Windham is evident in my work with local nonprofits.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

While the Cumberland County Civic Center provides jobs in the region and is an economic engine for businesses in Portland-not Windham-taking on another $53 million dollars including debt service during this economic downturn just doesn’t make sense. In the 1970s, Cumberland County residents voted to get into the arena ownership business which has been a failing venture since due to limitations in location and size. We cannot build a bigger Civic Center in downtown Portland. I strongly believe that these types of investments and associated risks are best managed through private industry not county taxpayers.

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

Growth has led to higher taxes in Windham and will likely increase them in the future. Did you know that over the last 31 years Windham’s population has increased by a staggering 51 percent? During the same period, the average yearly percentage of tax levy increase has been 7.8 percent, which is 4.1 percent higher than the average yearly percentage of U.S. inflation increase. Tax levy is the amount of money that each property owner must pay to fund town services and infrastructure. More residents and a rise in commercial activities beyond those seen before the recession will result in expanded services (police, fire, schooling, etc.) and infrastructure (sewer, roads, plow trucks, etc.) needs. While some believe that growth pays its own way, in reality the tax burden it creates is a shared responsibility without reasonable impact fees in place, of which Windham has none.

I’ve heard a local bureaucrat argue that growth will bring “vitality” to the community. I believe vitality is putting more money back in the hands of hard-working families and senior citizens by making Windham a more affordable place to live. With people losing their homes due to tax foreclosures, how can Windham really afford growth?

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

At a cost of $28.4 million to $49.1 million, the sewer described in the revised 302 corridor design and cost estimate will likely be the highest infrastructure expenditure in Windham’s history. That said, I am not sure how any candidate could answer “yes” considering a cost analysis and financing plan has yet to be created. Understanding the finances, Windham’s rate of return (positive or negative), and affordability to residents and businesses alike tops my list when deciding whether or not to support a sewer.

Back in July, an estimate of $933 per user per year with increases depending on actual usage was floated. This seems like a lot of money for a resident who currently has a well-functioning septic system. Further, considering that many state and federal grants have dried up and in reviewing the initial carrying cost and cash flow data, which over the next 30 years shows significant shortfalls, I am concerned about unconnected residents subsidizing this project through property taxes.

In reality, the pollutants are not high enough to mandate construction, residents with wells can be serviced by public water, and the town allows development over the aquifer showing indifference to the problem despite recommendations made in the Comprehensive Plan.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

Whether I land a seat on the council or not I will continue to be a strong community advocate. My work with Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Windham Land Trust and Falmouth Rod and Gun Club has helped people in need obtain heat, preserve natural spaces and important watersheds, and promote Maine’s sporting heritage. My only interest in seeking a council seat is to make Windham a better place and this is evidenced by my ongoing community involvement. Vote for me on Nov. 8 so that I can begin working with you and Windham’s business community.

TOMMY GLEASON (INCUMBENT)

Address: 17 Cook Road

Education: Attended St. Francis College, Biddeford (now University of New England) and University of New York.

Occupation: Retired crane operator

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

After being elected to the Town Council a year ago, I would like to continue to improve the quality of living in Windham. Along with the other councilors, be mindful of the needs and wants of all citizens and at the same time, have a balanced approach to the expansion of economic development in our community.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

Many citizens that I speak with state that living in a rural community is very important to them. They enjoy the feeling of open space and yet have all the amenities of an urban area, such as: living close to Portland, great shopping, and restaurants. Yet locally Windham is the gateway to the Lakes Region, with swimming, fishing (summer and winter), snowmobiling, hunting, etc. Windham is simply a nice place live.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

A.) The rebuilding of the North Windham business district through the implementation of a 21st century development plan (already in the beginning stages). A plan of this undertaking must be developed with the help and input of all Windham citizens to insure that the new look meets with their wishes, and also meets the vision of a new or revised comprehensive master plan.

B.) The lack of modern infrastructure definitely has a negative impact on business development in Windham. If Windham wants to grow and produce needed jobs, a stronger business matrix, developing a modern business plan is essential. This goes hand and hand with moving traffic more efficiently through the Route 302 corridor and lessening the impact on the environment caused by such growth.

C.) Windham has to maintain and improve the levels of services enjoyed by all residents of the town (police, fire, public works, recreation, etc.). In these hard economic times, to help with the needs of the less fortunate by sustaining the goals of food pantry and clothes closet, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and so forth. It is important to me, that we insure the elderly and people on fixed incomes, who need assistance, be able to remain in their family homes and get the help they require.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

My experience as director of training, of the operating engineers (crane operators), New York City for 15 years, I had to build budgets, set a curriculum, select and promote qualified instructors and students. I also dealt extensively with many government agencies (both state and federal), such as EEOC, NEW (Non-traditional Employment for Women), Board of Urban Affairs, NYC, etc. During this period, I was also the president of New England Training Directors Association.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

The proposal to renovate the Civic Center at its present location, in my opinion, is a poor way to spend the taxpayer’s dollar. Once again there would be better things to spend money on, such as roads, schools, sewers, clean water, and other infrastructure projects that need upgrading. The building needs to be moved to where it has room to expand and less traffic impact, more parking, and a location with easier access for surrounding towns (closer to Route 95). This should be privately operated, since it cannot support itself.

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

The housing market in Windham, as it is in the rest of country, is slow, and from most indications will remain slow into the near future. However, it is inevitable the market will return in a few short years. When it does recover, we as a town must be ready with proper codes and ordinances combined with a new vision for the future. One of the most important aspects will be the ability to keep the rural feeling of our community.

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

I am in favor of a sewer system in Windham, however, the sewer must be thoroughly examined. There will be a few views to an undertaking of this size. First this system will be needed as a base for any new infrastructure planned, bringing with it, jobs and businesses that could not afford or properly build or maintain a septic system and also protect our water supply, streams and lakes from further pollution. A problem I foresee is the funding and how it will be paid for. The budget restrictions on spending in these economic times, is unsure. Grants and government help will be limited. At the minimum, a complete design plan must be in place when the funding becomes available.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

I’m 63, retired, former Director of Training for the Operating Engineers Local 14, NYC (crane operators), attended college in Biddeford and NYU. I live on Cook Road with wife Nancy and daughter Melanie. Have lived in Windham for 13 years. Have written opinion columns for various town newspapers and was a radio talk show host for a local radio station. Have been a member of the Town Council for one year, and am looking forward to serving a full term.

WINDHAM TOWN COUNCIL EAST DISTRICT

(Three-year term)

Ryan McDonald (write-in) vs. David Nadeau

DAVID NADEAU

Address: 89 Johnson Road

Education: Wentworth Institute – Department of Navy

Occupation: Electronic Engineer, designed hardware and software training courses – Disabled in 1986.

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

My love for Windham and its residents. Even with the economic downturn I beleive Windham is a vibrant community and now is the time to put the ground work in place so that when things start to move again we will be ready. I would like to be a part of that process.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

The people and the rural character are the best attributes of Windham.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

1.) North Windham and the business climate there. Ten years ago we set a goal of a 70 percent residents to 30 percent business. When set, we were at 78/22. Now I believe we are at 83/17 or lower. We are losing ground and moving in the direction of becoming a bedroom community. To stop this and turn this around we don’t have to expand the commercial district down 302, which has already started. The answer is to revitalize North Windham. This can be done by making it more user-friendly, creating commercial back lots, implementing design guidelines, and developing Chaffin Pond. Creating a pleasing destination, most of the studies needed to start this are in place or in progress.

2.) Sewer in North Windham. How do we pay for this and what does it get us, along with, how do you propose to get users? I think you have to bring Raymond into the mix and then you have to answer the above questions before you agree on sewer. The answer of higher density allowed by sewer brings along its own questions, such as smaller lot size, how high do we go, etc. These need to be answered along with sewer, not after. What do we do if sewer is not successful? We need to create a Plan B.

3.) Our roads. Our roads are starting to fall behind and our road bond is just about gone. We need to look at ways to extend the life of our roads and create a plan on maintainance of these roads and not wait until they crumble. There are many town roads in subdivisions that could have their life extended with preventive maintainance now.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

A. My willingness to do the job.

B. Chair of the Planning Board, chair of ordinance review, knowledge of the way the whole town functions both municipal and school.

C. My ability to solve problems and be a visionary and not a reactionary.

D. My being an educator with the ability to explain the problem so compromise can be achieved.

E. My love for Windham.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

Southern Maine needs a Civic Center to attract venues and conventions to the state. In this economic atmosphere I would have to say I agree. I think we need this to be in Portland, the hub of southern Maine, but I don’t believe it is big enough to do the job it is being asked to do. Its profit margins are limited. But yes we need something.

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

Growth in Windham has slowed but even with the economic woes, we are still a leader in housing starts, albeit starter homes, which puts pressure on the schools and the town to provide services.

Our commercial growth continues to slip. I fear that in the not-too-distant future we will lose our opportunity to stay ahead during these financially difficult times. This is evident when the present council asks that the Ordinance Review Committee look at multi-family homes in other zones than presently allowed.

Windham has to develop a new Comprehensive Plan created by the whole and make guidance suggestions for future councils to follow. This applies to the commercial and residential areas of town. If this does not happen, we will continue to get haphazard growth and changes with every new council, like we presently see. Windham has to create a comprehesive vision and begin to implement it. If this is not done, we will surely become a bedroom community with pressures put on our mil rate.

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

I would say yes, but I think we need to expand our horizons and ask what we will look like and what we will achieve with sewer. Just saying we need sewer and moving ahead with it is not enough. I commend the present effort but I truly believe we are leaving too many questions unanswered.

Look at what has happened in South Windham when change was proposed and it is presently happening in North Windham with the 302 project. Nobody wants change in their backyard. We need to create a vision for Windham including sewer, try to have the majority buy into it and implement that vision. Example: With sewer do we get water, not wells, and do we make it mandatory, not just for businesses. What incentives would be offered to accomplish this.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

• Significant other, Marge Govoni, 31 years

• 4 children

• 18 grand children

• 3 great grandchildren

• Community involvement

• Planning Board 10 years, presently Ccair

• Ordinance Review Committee, presently chair

• Comprehensive Plan Committee

• Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee

• Windham Food Pantry

• Santa Hotline (resurrected 9 years ago, your child’s local HO HO HO)

RYAN MCDONALD

Address: 1 Inland Farm Dr.

Education: Graduated Greely High School / Pursuing AAS in Political Science/International Relations

Occupation: Facilities

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

The race for the East District seat was uncontested. Without a choice, what is a vote worth? I decided now was my time to answer the call and serve my neighbors as the councilor from the East District. The other contender and I differ significantly on many of the issues currently facing Windham. While each of us have a lot to offer the voters, and each of us have the desire to serve, we have vastly different ideas about how best to do that. So now Windham has a choice of candidates, each of which represent opposing values and philosophies.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

Windham’s best characteristic has yet to be realized. There is a potential for Windham to be the flagship community of sustainable economic growth, sensible land development and fiscal responsibilty. We can attain this position without trampling on the rights of landowners, business people or any of the other inhabitants of the town. The free market system must be preserved and everyone must be given equal access to compete for their share. Given Windham’s ideal geographical location, its highly regarded rural flavor and growing population, Windham is poised to lead the region into an era of recovery, growth and eventual prosperity.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

1.) Budgetary issues. No stone can be left unturned. Everything needs to be considered and evaluated to see if the benefit is worth the cost. I feel quite sure there is waste in every department that can be found and reduced. We need to be creative in the way we administer services. Maybe certain areas can be contracted out while others can best be done locally. The discussion needs to be had. I know every council has labored over creating budgets that are workable and please as many of their constituants as possible. I am not afraid to say, “Buckle up; this is going to be a bumpy ride.” Many may be displeased, but cuts need to be made, and will be made either now by choice or later when there is no choice.

2.) Land use ordinance. Let’s get on with this; mistakes have been made. Admit it, fix it and move on. The “minor changes” and “cleaning up” need to stop. It is just another way to sneak changes in that would otherwise never see the light of day. Keep it simple, keep it clean.

3.) Economic development. It isn’t just about attracting new businesses; it is about helping those already here to be successful and to grow. Businesses can be great neighbors. Windham has a lot to offer; let’s showcase that. Welcome new growth and development with open arms, but let us not give away the farm. We should welcome the small startups as eagerly as we do the big boxes. Promote enterpreneurship amoung our citizen and let’s start in the schools.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

At times I have lived comfortably, and at times I have had to dig for change to buy gas. I have borrowed and been enslaved by debts, and I have learned from it all. I know what challanges many of you face as I have faced them, too. So as I consider how and when taxpayer dollars are spent I won’t forget how hard-earned those dollars are. I have seen the ugly faces of tyranny. I understand that no matter what choices we make, our liberties must be preserved and our fragile democracy protected.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

This I can answer in two words: Cui bono? (Who benefits?)

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

Can’t stop it; don’t want to stop it; let’s embrace it and make it work for Windham. There is a mentality of some of the people who have moved here in past 10 or 15 years that once they have moved in it is like, “Hey, let’s stop all this growth,” and “Hey, why hasn’t the town paved my dirt road,” and “Hey, how can I stop my neighbor from developing his property? I like to walk my dog over there.” We need to keep our eyes on the prize and our nose out of other people’s business. We have in place a subdivision review and an extensive land use ordinance which admittedly does need a little work, but these serve to protect the town and permit growth and development.

Growth in the commercial zones is another story; proposals like the Design Standards are a surefire way to inhibit commercial growth and prevent existing business from making improvements if they would trigger any sort of permitting. Without a doubt, improvements in infrastructure would be a benefit to the economic development efforts and could help to improve access management and environmental issues as well.

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

I support a sewer system for Windham. The how, the when and at what cost are the issues that need further discussion. It seems like it is the next logical step to assist in the economic development of the North Windham area and to address a real need to protect water quality and reduce environmental impacts in that area. This is one area that government can help to improve and has an obligation to do so. We need to dot the I’s and cross all the T’s. Proper planning and implementation will give us the best shot at making this a benefit to all.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

In 100 words or less I can’t tell the voters what they need to know about me. Visit www.ryanmcdonald4council.com; read my posts, follow my tweets and ask questions. Consider which candidate will fight the hardest to protect the rights of all of Windham? Who will give fair and sensible consideration to every issue? Who will not waiver in their sworn oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and the Town Charter of Windham? Who will serve the town as a councilor of the people rather than use the position to impose his will upon the people.

TOWN COUNCIL AT-LARGE DISTRICT

(One-year term)

John Carlberg (write-in) vs. Dennis Welch

JOHN CARLBERG Jr.

Address: 21 Walter Partridge Road

Education: Windham High School, DeVry Tech

Occupation: Business owner

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

I have considered it in the past, but for one reason or another the timing was not right. I have been witness to the positive changes in the council and its members. I feel the time is right to step up and become part of a team of leaders in this community with the intent of keeping our town moving forward.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

I believe the best characteristic of this town is the people, with a close second being the charm. I have been here since the days of the Tabors IGA, I have seen tremendous growth, and at the same time, have seen the people I grew up with make the same decision I made, to stay and raise a family here. Despite the growth over the years, the people have retained the same values and sense of community that was always present. The town is defined by the people in it, and we have a great one.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

1.) I am seeing far too many spaces for lease (vacancies) in the business corridors of this town, this affects everyone. We really need to concentrate on the reasons for this with exception to the current economy and devise a solid plan consisting of ways to make it easier for businesses to locate here.

2.) Our roads and infrastructure are sometimes put on the back burner, this allows things to get to the point where the cost skyrockets for repairs and upkeep. It is, in my experience, better to spend a little on a regular basis in an effort to maintain a standard. We wait until things become a large, involved, costly project sometimes, before we act. In short, a little sooner is better than a lot later.

3.) This is an issue that has plagued me for some time now, Transfer Station, Recycling Center, something, someplace for residents to discard unwanted bulky waste at anytime during the year. I have been in the line for the once a year free for all, not a fan! Our public works department is great, and it’s a tall order for them to have to sift through bulky waste from 17,000 people in a few weekends. My wife and I own a home in Casco, and it is so nice to be able to run to the dump during a clean-up day, a place with normal hours. This, once again, is not something that is going to happen overnight, but I think it is worth some consideration and effort to get the ball in play.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

I have been a successful business owner in Windham for over 20 years. This has given me an opportunity to see first-hand what works and what doesn’t work when attempting to achieve certain goals. The ability to set realistic short-term and long-term goals is the key to success in any business. I’m sure my input in this area will be instrumental in moving forward and looking toward the future. We need to identify our needs, and map the best road to take us there. The crucial part of goal setting is the follow through, and ability to adapt and change.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

I think it is probably something to consider in the future when things are more plentiful and the economy is booming again. I do not think this is the time. I am of the opinion that any monies spent to renovate a facility that we can get by with for a few more years, would be better spent in areas that are going to promote growth in our communities, create jobs for our people, and put food on our tables.

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

We have made many steps in the right direction over the last year, we had a tremendous boost from the excitement and enthusiam flooded into this town by my friend Peter Busque. He promoted the “Winds of Change” and change the winds did. He brought the town government and the community of great people together in the pursuit of a common goal, making Windham stronger. The town of Windham is on the right track now, the vision is clear, and it’s up to us to keep it moving forward. Thanks Peter.

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

I support the idea, in as far as I think it is going to be neccessary for future growth and environmental protection of our resourses, it is a long process that requires our ongoing attention. It is important to keep the ball rolling on projects like this. We need to be ready for action when the time comes, and not just starting the process.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

A resident for over 40 years, I graduated high school here, and decided this was the place to raise a family and start a business. I am proud to be a part of this community. Previously, discontent and personal agendas have plagued our town government. There is no room for that here, we have problems, we need serious people to solve them. We need to get down to business. I’m running as a “Write In Candidate” for the at-large one-year seat. To vote for me you must fill in the dot for “Write In” and write my name exactly “John Carlberg Jr”. Thank you.

DENNIS WELCH

Address: 26 Trails End

Education: 1987 graduate, Windham High School

Occupation: Correctional Officer, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 22 years

1. What is motivating you to run for Town Council?

I grew up and went to school here. I am interested in becoming an active member of the community.

2. What is Windham’s best characteristic?

Windham’s best characteristics are the residents who live here. Windham has a strong, close-knit community and seems to always be there for each other. Windham also takes great pride in its youth, the town’s entrance signs can attest to that.

3. What three issues do you think are most pressing for Windham? And what would you do to address those issues?

1.) One of the most pressing issues in the town is the Town Hall hours. Since they have been changed so the town offices are closed on Fridays, it has become a huge inconvenience to the residents who live here. I would propose to stay open on Fridays, perhaps have one evening opened until 7 p.m. and close on Mondays. Most holidays fall on Mondays closing the town on those days anyway. Many people are paid on Wednesday or Friday and if they need to register their vehicle or have business at the town hall, it is difficult to conduct with the hours as they are set at the present time.

2.) I also take issue with the blue trash bags and how trash removal is done here. I would propose a system similar to Westbrook’s where it is not pay-per-bag but have barrels, one for recycle and one for trash. I have not researched this but it needs to be done. The cost of bags has steadily risen since the program was established; many residents find it difficult to buy these bags due to cost.

3.) My third would be economic development in Windham. The town needs to be able to attract more viable businesses, which will assist in sustaining the infrastructure we already have. The town needs to do a better job of assisting to keep businesses in town; this can be done by doing a better job with our economic development program.

4. What in your background qualifies you to lead the town?

I was a union president for three-plus years, most recently elected to the executive board of the National Correctional Employee’s Union. In these positions, I dealt with union contracts, the Cumberland County commissioners as well as administrators on many different levels, to include budget issues.

5. What do you think of the proposal to renovate the Cumberland County Civic Center?

This should not happen. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and the county should have looked into the conference center which was proposed on property outside of Portland. The civic center has lost the majority of its usefulness due to it being too small for many venues and lack of reasonable parking.

6. What do you think of growth in Windham?

Windham needs to better plan its growth. North Windham needs some beautification projects and an overhaul to attract businesses, which have not, as yet, given Windham a second look. Again we need more viable businesses, which will assist in bringing our tax base down, something other than just retail. While retail is good, we cannot sustain our town on retail alone.

7. Do you support a sewer system for North Windham and Windham Center?

Honestly, I am in need of updating myself on the whole sewer project. I cannot at this time give an educated answer until I have had more time to look at the research the town has already done and some of the studies that have been completed to date.

8. What else should the voters know about you?

I grew up in Windham and Raymond, graduating from Windham High School in 1987. During my junior high school years, I worked at the family restaurant, the Yankee Steamer on Route 302 in North Windham. My family sold the Steamer and opened Mike and Sharron’s Restaurant in on Route 302 in Raymond. I moved back to Windham two years ago and am looking to get more involved in the town. This past summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the Windham Community Garden. I support bringing more of this type of program to the town and completely support the Windham Skate Park as well as the Bike Park and feel the need to keep our youth involved. I feel we need more elderly housing as well as more affordable programs for the elderly to assist them with heating costs and taxes. I do not have all the answers but look forward in working with the rest of the council on these issues.