News

Seven Apply for Council Seat
By Elizabeth Prata

Gray--Seven candidates are lined up to vie for one appointed seat on the Gray Town Council and four of them came to the meeting Tuesday night for an interview. Richard Barter resigned effective October 5 and seeking to replace him for the remaining six months' term are Richard Hall, Andrew Upham, Alison Brown, and Denise Duda, who were present Tuesday night.

Mark Sanborn, Wade Trudel, and Michael MacDonald are also interested but did not attend Tuesday night to be interviewed. They will have their chance in the spotlight on November 9, at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

The Council asked the parties the same few questions, and gave them additional questions to fill out at home and return to the council.

Richard Hall said he is interested in serving because the town of Gray has been home to them for two years and they were happy to experience Gray's friendliness and warmth. Hall said he wants to give back to the community.

Andy Upham, a taxpayer here for 14 years and a full time resident for four, said that he has attended every meeting since last February and "It looks like you could use the help."

Brown is interested in fiscal matters. She said she had lived in Gray for 8 years but when she saw the proposed 35% increase to the budget as originally presented last February, she was in shock and awe. She said she became very active since then. "Government at all levels has become somewhat overdeveloped. I want to do what I can to urge government at all levels to re-think what it does."

Duda is interested in ideas and the free flowing exchange of ideas. "At Town Meeting you can still get up and say what you want to say, it is intriguing to be involved in that process."

Asked what their opinion of biggest issue facing Gray is, Hall said growth and proper management of any post-cap initiative November 2. Upham said that the Council is running in too many circles. "My vision is simple, get it done, move on, and get over it." Duda said that "The growth is certainly a big challenge. I do not personally have a vision, still being a citizen here, but my job would be to thoughtfully consider what comes before the Board."
Brown said that she has a political philosophy more than a vision and a place on the Council would help her understand the issues more and further the council's work.

Letters of intent are still welcome and can be sent or dropped off either to Chair Pam Wilkinson or to Town Office at 6 Shaker Road by Friday, October 22 at 2 p.m. Questionnaires may be picked up at any time and but must be returned by 10 a.m. Monday. Interviews will proceed for the remaining candidates on Tuesday, November 9 and action will be taken then. The new councilor will be sworn in at that time and begin work.