In over four decades of public service, all here in the City of Saco, I have seen many counselors, mayors, and other elected and appointed officials come and go. Few can hold a candle to my former colleague and lifelong friend Arthur Tardif, Saco’s Ward 5 Councilor.

There are those who suggest that it is time for change in many of Saco’s City Council seats.

We have had some change and that is good. But it is also good to have a steady hand with experience in how things work. This describes Arthur well. You may see Arthur as a quiet presence at City Council meetings, he is listening – and doing so with an open mind.

Politicians often like to hear themselves talk, that is not the case with Arthur. He is often quiet – so that when he speaks we listen. During my tenure as mayor, Arthur always provided sound and well-reasoned counsel to me and his peers on the City Council. The fact that he has been in office for a bit helps balance some of the change that has taken place in the last few years on the council – he is open-minded and willing to change and embrace new ideas. At the same time, he is able to give perspective on what has come before us.

I urge the citizens of Saco’s Ward 5 to re-elect Arthur Tardif, councilor Ward 5, on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Mark D. Johnston
Saco