Damariscotta will vote Tuesday, Nov. 7 to replace outgoing Selectman George Parker, who resigned because he has moved to Newcastle. Five candidates will vie for the seat. The term ends in 2020.

Lorraine Faherty, a retired attorney, sits on the Damariscotta Cemetery Committee. She is a former president of the Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle, and when she and her husband lived in California, she ran a number of nonprofits. She said she is running because she is concerned about the well-being of the town.

“I’m running on a platform of common sense,” she said. “We need a balance between the historic nature and the flavor of our town, and the 21st century. We should strive to be an active, vibrant town.” Faherty ran as one of two write-in candidates this year. She lost to Amy Leshure.

Liz Printy, a Bowdoin College music professor, said: “I would  like to see Damariscotta continue to thrive as a service center town while still retaining its coastal charm and historic profile. This is a challenge that faces the Board of Selectmen every year as they pour over material and sift through paperwork and projects to make wise decisions for all of us residents. It takes immense time, commitment and dedication, and my goal would be to faithfully meet each challenge with preparation, deliberation based on study and then that other thing: Good old common sense.” She serves on the Twin Villages holiday committee, is a staff member of Weatherbird, and served on the Heartwood Board for two years.

Larry Sidelinger is a longtime business owner in Damariscotta, running a long-haul trucking company on Midcoast Road. “I decided to run when George Parker was leaving,” he said. “I talked it over with my wife, and decided to do it. I think we need a little more transparency and accountability – not saying that anybody is doing a bad job – but I think everyone needs to know what’s happening in town. More communication, I guess.” Sidelinger said he has the time to do it, and looks forward to the challenge.

Louis Abbatoni is a certified public accountant and tax preparer with a business on Bristol Road, and is a supporter of local arts organizations.  The Wiscasset Newspaper attempted to contact him numerous times. The calls were not immediately returned.

Catherine Blount did not provide contact information on her filing paperwork. The Wiscasset Newspaper attempted to contact her by visiting her home; she did not respond to our request for an interview.

In addition to the election for selectman, Damariscotta will vote on the moratorium petition that would put a hold on commercial development on and near the Route 1B corridor.