Two running for Woolwich seat

By CHARLOTTE BOYNTON

When the Woolwich voters go to the polls on Tuesday, they will have a choice of two candidates to fill the seat of Daniel Skillin who decided not to seek re-election.

Former Selectman David King Sr., and a newcomer to town politics, Michael Moody, are asking for the support of the voters to allow them to serve the town of Woolwich. Both candidates appear to agree on a number of issues facing the town.

They both agree that something has to be done to improve the recycling program before looking at other ways for refuse disposal in town.

Another area they appear to agree on is the town’s contribution to the Patten Free Library in Bath. Both indicate they support the library, but question the method used to determine the amount of funding from the town.

Michael Moody, 29, grew up in Woolwich, moved away for a few years and recently returned to town. He attended the Woolwich Central School, is a 1999 graduate of Wiscasset High School, and received an Associates Degree from the Maine Martine Academy.

Moody admits he has no experience in town government, but, what he lacks in experience he will make up for in enthusiasm. "I feel I can offer a new perspective, and new ideas to the board," he said.

He considered running for selectman last year but decided the time was not right. Although he has never served in town government he said he keeps up with what is going on and the issues facing the town.

Asked why he wants to become a selectman, he said, "I see it as a way to give back to the community. I am very interested in what is going on in town and would like to have a part in making future decisions as the town moves forward."

Asked what changes he would like to see if he is elected, he said, "I don’t necessarily see any changes as to what is currently in place. It is in the future issues facing Woolwich that I want to be a part of. For example the solid waste disposal and the recycling program that needs to be addressed."

Moody and his wife Ashley have a two and half year daughter Madison. He has been employed at Bath Iron Works for the past seven years.

David King Sr., 60, is a veteran of town politics both in Bath and Woolwich for 32 years.

He served on the Bath Zoning Board for ten years, before moving to Woolwich in 1986. He was on the Woolwich planning board for 10 years and was a Woolwich selectman for 12 years, serving as chairman of for six years.

In 2007 King was defeated in his bid for another term by a narrow margin in a five man race for two seats. Former Town Administrator Lloyd Coombs was elected and Dale Chadbourne retained his seat. Other candidates included William Longley, the former town code enforcement officer, and John Albis, the town’s former health officer.

King had said during that campaign he expected he would lose in that race with Coombs, who received 556 votes compared to Chadbourne, the second highest vote getter of 368. King came in a close third with about 22 less votes than Chadbourne.

Asked why he is running for the open seat, he said, "I’m running because I enjoyed it before and I think my experience will benefit the town. Running two stores and having to adhere to strict deadlines and budgets has taught me to always plan ahead. The board of selectmen should always be looking ahead and planning ahead. You can’t just be a reactionary board," he said.

King is the owner of two NAPA auto stores, one in Topsham and the other in Bath. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and seven grandchildren.

Woolwich polls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., at the Woolwich Central School, on Tuesday, November 3.