Two candidates, Daniel “Dan” Bradstreet and Carlene M. “Candy” Clark, are on the ballot for Vassalboro’s March 3 special election to fill a vacant select board seat. The Town Line sent each four questions. Their answers follow, in alphabetical order by last name.
Introductions:
Daniel (Dan) Bradstreet Age: 49 years Occupation: Director of Codes Enforcement for City of Waterville
16-year resident of Vassalboro
Carlene M. Clark:
My name is Carlene M. Clark, but most people know me as Candy Clark. I’m 78 years old. I’m retired, so don’t have a current occupation, but have worked for both the State of Maine (over 18 years), and the State of Florida (over 23 years). During both my careers, I have switched from financial positions to IT positions and back again. I left my position in Maine as a Business Manager for the Bureau of Intergovernmental Drug Enforcement (BIDE). I had also worked in Maine as Computer Programmer and Computer Operations Supervisor. In Florida, I retired as an Accountant Supervisor for the Department of Health, Hillsborough County Health Department, but had also worked in their IT section as Computer Operations Supervisor and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator.
I was born and brought up in Vassalboro with my maiden name Cain. I graduated from Winslow High School, and went to a now defunct Plus School of Business, in Portland.
I moved back to Vassalboro in 2023. After living with my sister for one year, I moved into my own house. I lived with my sister because the house I bought needed extensive renovations. But I love the location, and the finished result.
Why are you running for a brief term on the select board? If you have specific goals, please list them.
[Bradstreet] I’m running for this three-month position for several reasons:
1.) Budget season is upon us. Critical areas need review to prepare for the next town meeting warrant. Considerations such as property tax rates, first responder services, school resources, town infrastructure, funding for municipal employees and sanitary district challenges directly affect what is included in the warrant and ultimately, the town budget.
2.) A two member board carries the possibility of a deadlock if the two current select board members cannot agree on an issue, or if a quorum is unable to be achieved for whatever reason.
3.) I do plan on running for select board again in the June election. I’m concerned with the inherent learning curve that comes with a transition from what is essentially now a two member board to five. I am hoping that the three additional months of experience will result in a more efficient and effective five member board after the June election.
[Clark] I was going to run for the Select Board when they extended the membership from three to five persons. Due to the death of Mike Poulin, and the immediate need, I moved up my “run” to the special election. I will be willing to run again for the general election. I have no immediate “goals” except to serve my home town.
Why are you qualified to serve on the select board?
[Bradstreet] Foremost, I understand the challenges of supporting a family and raising children. As a husband, father and grandfather, I can appreciate that every dollar counts. It’s critical that tax revenue is used as efficiently as possible to minimize financial burdens to the greatest extent.
Four years of study and acquiring a bachelors degree at a liberal arts institution helped create my foundation for critical thinking. Analytical reasoning and preparing and maintaining a large budget have been crucial throughout my professional career. I spent 13 years working for a small, family business. This gave me insight into how government policies can help or hurt business. My four years working as a consultant for a larger business greatly helped to hone my organizational skills.
Currently, and for the past eight years, I’ve worked for a municipal government. I understand how municipal government works, the role that different departments play and the great things that can be accomplished through collaboration and communication between them. I appreciate and have experience working for the taxpayer and am cognizant of the responsibilities and expectations that entails. Organization, communication, problem solving and taxpayer considerations are a part of my daily, professional routine.
I currently serve on the Vassalboro Planning Board and previously served on the Transfer Station Task Force. That experience has provided me with a greater understanding of the needs and challenges that are unique to the town of Vassalboro. Listening to and working with municipal officials, employees, residents and business owners has been a rewarding experience and has given me a greater appreciation for the history, character and beauty of our community. It’s also given me a better perspective on what areas we may improve upon to better serve our residents and business owners.
[Clark] I feel that my past careers have given me well-rounded experience to serve the Town of Vassalboro as a Select Board member. Though I have never served on a Select Board, I feel I could learn fast (with the help of Maine Municipal Association and the current Select Board members and Town Manager) and serve the town well.
What else would you like Vassalboro voters to know about you?
[Bradstreet] Some key issues of importance for me:
– Keep taxes as low as possible without compromising essential services –Assess and plan for the future of first responder services –Maintain infrastructure –Attract/retain good municipal employees –Protect our water bodies –Collaborate with the Sanitary District to explore financial relief options for the district and its customers –Enhance development opportunities –Explore state/federal grant opportunities for projects that benefit the community.
[Clark] I moved back to Vassalboro because I have many relatives here, and Vassalboro is a great place to live. I’m a member of the Vassalboro Historical Society and the Vassalboro Grange. I’ve done Chair Yoga at the Town Office and attended Senior Luncheons and Public Suppers at the Methodist Church. Select Boards are a town’s governance at their most basic, purest organization. I would be proud to serve Vassalboro.
On Tuesday, March 3, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Vassalboro Town Office. Absentee ballots will be available at the town office until the close of business at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 26; they must be returned by the time the polls close, at 8 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3. Because the election is treated as a special town meeting, at least 125 votes must be cast to make the result valid.
The candidate who is elected will serve until the next municipal election in June.
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by Mary Grow
