OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Five candidates are running for three available two-year seats on the town council including current town councilors Kenneth Blow, Michael Tousignant and Shawn O’Neill; former town councilor Roxanne Frenette and community volunteer Israel Collins.

• Blow, 56, is an operations manager at Casella Waste Services. He has served on the town council for five years and has also served on the planning board.

“I was born, raised and educated in OOB, and I take great pride in mine and our community. I’ve enjoyed raising my family and living here for 56 years,” said Blow. “I believe in giving back to the community and look forward to watching the next generation enjoy the sense of community and quality of life that Old Orchard Beach has to offer. And I bring experience and knowledge from five years of service to the council, showing I have the ability to compromise and the willingness to work hard for our community.”

Blow said the top three issues facing the town council in the upcoming term are following through on much needed upgrades to the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, continuing to modernize the town’s roads, sidewalks and infrastructure; and making sure the town’s first responders have the resources required for them to respond and react as needed.

• Collins, 40, is an educational psychologist. He has been involved in numerous civic groups and is the treasurer of OOB365, past president of the Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset and past vice-president of the Libby Library Board of Directors.

“As a dedicated resident, community organizer, and volunteer I strive to serve our town in the best possible way from the numerous and various community organizations to individuals within our town,” said Collins.

Collins said after many years of dedicated service, whether for the United States Navy or for the community, he feels that it is time for him to step up and represent the residents’ concerns on the municipal level.

“The Navy instilled in me character, strength, discipline, and service. The Navy’s Core principles of Honor, Courage, and Commitment are how I live my life and how I would serve our community on the Council. Having been a community organizer and on-the-ground at multiple community events–the Scottish Festival, the BBQ Fest, Wings 4 Wishes, Christmas at the Beach, and countless community dinners and food drives for the schools and food pantries, to name a few, I have learned and heard the needs and concerns of our residents,” said Collins “I want to showcase all of the great assets our town has to offer, while openly recognizing and addressing the challenges that face our small sea-side town. My vision is for our community to be proactive and not reactive to issues, events, and concerns that arise in a bustling and growing community. Through my service, and with your vote, I will demonstrate that a good servant is a good leader.”

Collins said, if elected, one of his top three priorities would be to work on reducing property tax for the average family and fixed income residents in town, as the tax burden is forcing families to leave Old Orchard Beach.

The other top priorities include ensuring the town’s first responders have the equipment they need to provide the best service to the town’s residents and visitors, and that their equipment and training is regularly updated as technology continues to rapidly advance and develop.
The town also needs to assure that the aging population continues to have the means to access programs, opportunities and outlets that engage and provide continuous participation in civic engagement, the latest technology and community involvement, and promote quality of life, said Collins.

• Frenette, 57, served seven years on the town council and 10 years on the Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach Transportation Committee.

Frenette said her experience makes her a good candidate for the council and if elected she would provide a female perspective.

“I am a life-long resident and care deeply about our community,” said Frenette.
Frenette said if elected, one of the top three issues she would work on would be to keep Old Orchard Beach affordable by keeping the mil rate down.

This is especially important for seniors and young families who are impacted the most, she said.

Frenette said the other top issues are maintaining the town’s general infrastructure and coming up with an equitable sewer use fee system.

• O’Neill did not respond to media requests. He has served several terms on the Town Council. He is the past town council chairman and is currently the town council vice-chairman.

• Tousignant, 56, is president of Loading Dock Equipment of New England, Inc. He has served on the Town Council for eight years and also served on the planning board.
“I am honest, approachable and am a very good listener. I respect the opinions of others, even if their opinions are different than mine. I will not just say anything to win votes,” said Tousignant. “The fact that I attend all meetings and participate in open dialog with the community allows me to gather information necessary to effectively negotiate fiscal responsibility as well as accountability. My current involvement as a town councilor has allowed me to learn many of the demographics of Old Orchard Beach.”

Tousignant said he’s a life-long resident of Old Orchard Beach and takes pride in calling Old Orchard Beach his home.

“I know the town and have what it will take to lead us into the future. In addition, having owned a small business for 24 years, I have the necessary skills and experience to serve as a member of the town council,” he said.

Tousignant said his top three areas the town needs to focus on are the school system, public safety and infrastructure such as sewer, wastewater and roads.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.