EUSTIS — Four candidates are seeking two seats on the Board of Selectmen in town elections Friday, March 1. The polls will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Stratton-Eustis Community Building, 84 Main St. The Town Meeting will take place in the same location on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. 

Selectman James Brochu is not seeking re-election. Selectman Jedediah Whiting is running for re-election. Durell ‘Andy’ Brann, Jeffrey Lecander and Brandy Ryan are also running. 

Matthew Horton has dropped from the race, he said Friday, Feb. 10. His name will still appear on the ballot. 

Candidates were asked:

What is your experience with town government and community organizations?

Why are you running for the Board of Selectmen?

What do you feel are the most important issues facing the town?

What do you hope to accomplish as selectman?

Durell “Andy” Brann

Durrell “Andy” Brann

“I am a member of the Mount Bigelow Masonic Lodge #2020 and Maine High Peaks,” he said. “I am active with the Arnold Trail Snowmobile Club, as well as Flagstaff Area ATV Club. I donate my time and my company’s resources to both.”

Brann owns Absolut Services Inc., Absolut Garage, Eustis Eustore Self Storage and Bria LLC.

“I want to become a more active member of the community in regards to participating in the making of town policies,” he said. “I also want to become more involved with how the town spends the taxpayers’ money.

“As a resident and business owner here in the town of Eustis, the issues I see that need to be addressed are: keeping local taxes as low as possible; keeping our town operating expenses as low as possible; and giving the taxpayer the best services possible.”

When it comes to goals, Brann said, “I would like to see more oversight of how the Town of Eustis and its employees spend taxpayer money. I would also like to see  the Town of Eustis grow in a positive way by attracting new businesses and helping existing businesses to grow and employ more of our local residents.”

Brandy Ryan

Brandy Ryan

“When my daughters were school age, I was a volunteer at Stratton Elementary School, coached soccer and softball and was an employee for the Stratton Eustis Recreation program,” said Ryan. “I am currently a member of Calvary Bible Church serving as a Sunday School Teacher and whatever else I am needed. I was a volunteer at the Stratton Food Pantry, working alongside John and Flo Caldwell, for many years helping to meet the needs of those in my community. I served on the Planning Board for a short time, filling a vacant seat in a time of need.

“In 2017, I started attending selectmen’s meetings and found it interesting how the town was run and how funds were appropriated. Throughout the last two years, I have become more aware of the needs of residents and businesses.”

Ryan feels important issues facing the town are: use of tax dollars, town employees and the accountability of those in charge of the Town of Eustis.

“As a selectman, I want to be open-minded of the needs and issues facing the residents of Eustis,” she said. “I want to be an ear for business owners and how they can grow their businesses. I hope to be an ear for those in need and be a problem solver. I am ready to step up, serve and be a voice.”

Jeffrey Lecander

Jeffrey Lecander

“I have had the opportunity to serve on several town committees,” said Lecander. “These include the planning committee for our new community building, the “Save Our School” committee, and am currently part of the Blanchard Park committee. I was a Eustis Fire Department volunteer for 14 years. I am a member and deacon of the Western Mountains Baptist Church in New Portland and have served on the Service Ministry. In the past, I have enjoyed volunteering for the Winter Special Olympics and when able, for the Stratton School ski skate program.

“I feel it is important to be invested in your community. I would like to see my community continue to grow and prosper. I believe that serving as a selectman would enable me to make this happen in a meaningful way.

Lecander feels the most important issues are the same in any small town facing potential decreasing population: maintaining a healthy surplus and using revenues wisely to attract businesses. “It is my hope that new businesses and our locally controlled school will bring new families to the area,” he said.

“My hope is to be a selectman that is fair and open-minded. I want to be a good listener, learn more about our local government, and assist in making decisions that will help our town prosper.”

Jedediah Whiting

Jedediah Whiting

Whiting is currently rounding out a three-year term as selectman. He serves on the Cathedral Pines Campground and Northeastern Loggers Association boards of directors and is a Lion’s Club member. He has experience on the Planning Board and has served on the Flagstaff Area Business Association Board of Directors.

“Eustis is a wonderful place full of hard-working people willing to give of themselves and their time to help better their community,” he said. “The Blanchard Park renovation and Family Fun Days event are great examples.

“The current board has worked hard to be responsible and fair stewards of the town’s finances. We have managed to successfully implement new policies and improvements without increasing the budget. We’ve accomplished a great deal but there is more to do.

“We need to foster a business-friendly environment and be ahead of the curve in addressing potential challenges concerning existing business. Our community has fought hard to keep our school and bank. We have to continue to fight in keeping existing and developing new businesses. As the manager of the town’s largest employer, Stratton Lumber, I understand the challenges businesses in our community face.

“It’s been my honor to be part of the selectboard team and I hope to do so for years to come. If re-elected, I will continue to help work on important issues like continuing to develop our Public Works Department, and looking for ways to attract and develop new business without significantly increasing the budget.”

dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com