OLD ORCHARD BEACH — There are three candidates running for two town council seats: current Town Councilors Jay Kelley and Joseph Thornton are seeking reelection, and are facing competition by Conservation Commission member John Bird.

John Bird did not respond by press time.

Jay Kelley, 63, is the Director of Operations for Regional School Unit 23. He is married with two grown children. He has served on the Town Council for three and a half years.

“I am running to continue the work of the current council, and to make sure we do not revert back to the old method of business,” said Kelley in an email. “We currently have a council that works well together, and agree or disagree we all want what’s best for the town.”

Kelley said his top three issues he’d like to work on if re-elected are to hire a new public works officer, upgrade the public works facility, and explore the possibility of building a recreation facility to be used and enjoyed by Old Orchard Beach residents both young and old.

Joseph Thornton, 31, is divorced and works in emergency communications. He has served on the Town Council for 3 and a half years and is currently the council vice chairman.

Thornton said he wants to continue to bring honest, open and fair leadership to Old Orchard Beach along with fresh, new and effective thinking. He said community involvement has always been a passion of his.

“My passion to live up to being a ‘man for others’ is what fuels my desire to serve the people of Old Orchard Beach,” wrote Thornton in an email. “I promise to continue to bring open, honest and fair leadership to the people of Old Orchard Beach.”

Thornton said if reelected, his top three issues he would like to work on are the town’s comprehensive plan, infrastructure needs and fiscal responsibility.

Thornton said the comprehensive plan currently being designed is the most powerful tool for the council, as it outlines what people in town want, and it should be the foundation for positive changes to come.

Thornton said there are several infrastructure needs that should be addressed, including sewer projects, road maintenance and possibly most pressing, the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Thornton said he would like to ensure that Old Orchard Beach remains an affordable community to live.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.