Continuing with our format last week, we asked the uncontested candidates to answer a couple of questions to help you, the voter, know them better. We asked them what their most challenging and rewarding experiences have been while serving the community and what their goals are for their next term. We did not receive responses from Melissa Simpson, Gregory Ackroyd, or Michael Fraser.
Jonathan Stimmell – I am looking forward to supporting our students and working towards continuing the work of providing a high level education for all students. There are some amazing things happening in our schools. Our students and staff members are representing us at a high level across the state, and we need to continue to nurture that energy and enthusiasm.
Our schools are an asset to our community, and we all benefit from programs and facilities like the Sanford Regional Technical Center, Sanford Performing Arts Center and our amazing athletic facilities to name a few.
The major challenge is being fiscally responsible while providing quality education for our students in a challenging economic climate. We have a real duty to the taxpayers of this community. An example of this is that Sanford residents pay the least amount per student in York and Cumberland Counties. About 42% of our property tax goes to schools which is lower than other communities.
Continuing with our format last week, we asked the uncontested candidates to answer a couple of questions to help you, the voter, know them better. We asked them what their most challenging and rewarding experiences have been while serving the community and what their goals are for their next term. We did not receive responses from Melissa Simpson, Gregory Ackroyd, or Michael Fraser.
Melissa Alipalo – Most Challenging and Rewarding Experiences: Staying current on PFAS regulations and communicating clearly with customers has been both challenging and rewarding as awareness of “forever chemicals” grows. Under David Parent’s leadership, Sanford Water District has been one of Maine’s most proactive districts, pursuing all available state and federal funding and participating in legal actions against PFAS manufacturers. Over the past three years, I’ve also become more active in the water industry, attending trainings and regional conferences. I was especially proud when Sanford Water District won “Best Tasting Water” at the New England Water Works Association’s annual conference—a testament to our team’s commitment from source to tap.
Goals for the Next Term: I plan to deepen my involvement in regional subcommittees focused on public awareness and communication, drawing on my professional background. I also look forward to supporting the construction of our new PFAS treatment plant to ensure Sanford’s future water quality and supply.
The post In Their Own Words: Uncontested Candidates appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
