Six vie for two selectmen seats in Sabattus

SABATTUS — Six people are vying for two spots on the Board of Selectmen next week. The terms are for three years.

Mark Duquette, 43, 68 Lorelie Drive

A little about yourself:

Graduated Lewiston High School in 1988. Eagle Scout. Attended University of Maine. Married for 20 years to the love of my life, Amy. Two sons: Alec, 18, and Shane, 15. Lived in Sabattus for approximately 20 years. Has worked for the Sabattus Sanitary and Water District for past 16 years as chief operator with Class 3 drinking water license and Class 2 wastewater license. Also a part-time oil delivery driver. Member of the Sabattus Mountaineers snowmobile club.

Past, relevant experience:

Served three terms as selectman. Former Planning Board member. Current member of the Sabattus Lake Dam Commission.

Top three issues, if elected:

1. Help our existing businesses to thrive and expand and also work hard to bring new businesses to town to help reduce the overall tax burden on our residents.

2. Continue working to improve the town’s roads.

3. Have the Board of Selectmen work more closely with the RSU 4 school board, so we can ensure our community gets the most out of our tax dollars, and our students get the most out of their educational experience.

Why residents should vote for me:

I have a great deal of experience with local government. I’ve found that our residents are very open with me when they have issues that need to be addressed. I work hard to be responsive to address these issues and if it is not something the town government can or should try to resolve, I make sure to explain why.

I truly enjoy helping people and working hard to protect and improve the quality of life in our community. Being a selectman means that there are times you cannot make everyone happy and times when some people may very, very outwardly angry with decisions we make. My highest priority as a selectman is to always strive for balance and make decisions that are best for the overall community.

Les Gibson, 57, 177 Marsh Road

A little about yourself:

21-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Employed since 1994 at Bath Iron Works as a marine electrician. Married to wife, Mary, and father of four children. I attend East Auburn Baptist Church where I am a member of the choir and drama team.

Past, relevant experience:

Served as co-chairman of the 2013 Sabattus Municipal Budget Committee. As co-chair and using a common-sense approach, I helped to hold the line on spending, fully funded all town services, provided a pay raise to nonunion employees and funded a new cruiser for the Sabattus Police Department, all with no property tax increase.

Top three issues, if elected:

First, hold the line on future tax increases. We can’t continue to expect our citizens to pay higher taxes year after year. There is a better way and I will work tirelessly towards this goal.

Second, explore new and innovative ways to invest in our town’s infrastructure, thereby making Sabattus more attractive to potential new residents and business.

Third, accountability. I believe those who serve their community should be held accountable. As your representative I ask, and expect, to be held accountable as your voice on the Board of Selectman.

Why residents should vote for me:

I have talked with many residents of Sabattus. I have heard your concerns. They are my concerns as well. I will be your voice on the Board of Selectman and I pledge to bring the same common-sense approach to problem solving that I used on the Budget Committee to the Board of Selectman. It will be an honor and a privilege to serve as your selectman and I thank you for your vote.

Andre Marquis, 28, 31 Old County Road

A little about yourself:

Current selectman.

Past, relevant experience:

I am currently one of five selectmen and have completely enjoyed my time as a selectman and would like to thank the residents of Sabattus for the honor to serve, and would like to continue for another term.

Top three issues, if elected:

1. Taxes! In the past term, we have worked diligently on trying to maintain or lower taxes.

2. Capital improvements, to make sure the future of the town of Sabattus is stable and prosperous.

3. Business, to grow our tax base for a sustainable business friendly future.

Why residents should vote for me:

I would like to thank the voters for allowing me to serve as selectman the past three years, it has been an honor to in this position. As a board member, I see a great future for this already wonderful community.

David Marsters, 68, 28 Taylor Dr.

A little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Malden, Mass. Graduated Malden High School 1963, entered the U.S. Navy 1963-1969. Served two years aboard aircraft carrier USS Bennington CVS 20. Beverly, Mass., police officer 1972-1974, Malden police officer 1974-1994. Retired from police and moved to Florida for three years, came back and drove for Peter Pan bus lines.

Past, relevant experience:

I moved to Maine in 2010, as I have a friend from the military living here in Sabattus and I liked the area. While living here, I noticed that during the elections nobody was running for Budget Committee. My wife, my friend and I wrote my name in and I was elected for the Budget Committee. I was appointed for Ordinance Committee and Charter Commission also, as nobody cared enough to run for these positions. It is a sad day when the citizens that have been living here for many years don’t get involved in their town.

Top three issues, if elected:

Now that the Comprehensive Plan has been approved by the citizens, it is time to move forward to get zoning done. This will enable the town to go after big companies to come to Sabattus for their business. Bringing in businesses will lower the real estate tax. If we get enough businesses in, it may be possible to get the schools out of RSU 4 and bring our schools back into Sabattus where we could have more control of the school budget.

Why residents should vote for me:

I would like the voters to consider me as selectman as I am very much on improving the way of life in Sabattus. I am sincere, truthful and honest.

Gregoire Provost, 51, 435 Middle Rd

A little about yourself:

Married, father of four, work full time for Maine Turnpike Authority.

Past, relevant experience:

Served on the school board for three years, business owner, previously served as a volunteer firefighter.

Top three issues, if elected:

Managing the budget to allow us to keep the tax rate as low as possible; capital improvement opportunities; opportunities to improve town roads.

Why residents should vote for me:

I have been a citizen of the community for 40-plus years. I grew up, raised a family and own a business within the community. I have the best interests of the town at heart and am looking to make decisions that will benefit the growth and development of the community while keeping expenses reasonable.

Don Therrien, 47, 85 Elm St.

A little about yourself:

I was raised and educated in Sabattus, and have resided in Sabattus approximately 44 years. Married for 20 years, my wife and I have two children, both honor roll students. Twenty-four years as a firefighter for the city of Auburn, currently at the lieutenant level. I was a member of the Sabattus Rec Club coaching staff for many years. I served 28 years as a member of the Sabattus Fire Department, with five years as fire chief. U.S. veteran of the Army, certified airborne trooper.

Past, relevant experience:

With many years working in public safety, both city- and town-wide, I have a good understanding of this arena. Working closely with past selectmen and town managers, along with upper management, I understand and respect what town citizens’ needs are and what leaders of this community need to work toward.

Top three issues, if elected:

1. Working closer with the school department. It’s not them against us; we’re all in this together.

2. Infrastructure to lessen the tax burden. Keeping in mind not to lose the small town atmosphere.

3. To explore overpaying for services, while maintaining a level of commitment.

Why residents should vote for me:

With many years of experience in leadership roles, and working in the town’s political arena, I have a very good insight on what needs to be accomplished for citizens, employees and future endeavors.

I have a lot of pride in ownership within this community. I will always be honored and humble for having the opportunity to serve the citizens of Sabattus as their fire chief, along with being grateful to the men and women of the Sabattus Fire Department and all public safety.

In closing: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

This story was updated at 10:01 a.m. Tuesday.