Incumbent Dwight Keene and challenger Gerald Lilly Sr. will vie for a three-year term as second selectman when Dresden residents go to the polls June 11. The two squared off when Lilly held the seat in 2016. Keene won by 11 votes. A recount affirmed his win.

Lilly, 63, is a Dresden native who has worked in the maintenance department at Bath Iron Works for 44 years. He served two terms as Dresden fire chief over a span of 30 years. He was second selectman from 2013 to 2016.

If elected, he hopes to promote a children’s playground at the recycling center. He would also like the board to reexamine the contracts of independent contractors. “I want to be sure we are getting our money’s worth,” said Lilly.

He would also like to see help for Third Selectman Allan Moeller in maintaining town roads.  “All three selectmen act as the road commissioner,” said Lilly.

Lilly is concerned with the future of ambulance service to the town. “We have to be proactive not reactive,” said Lilly.

Keene, 65, grew up in Oxford and attended schools there. He served in the U.S. Army and worked in retail and as a truck driver until his retirement. He moved to Dresden in 1987. Keene has been one of a three-person crew at the transfer station.

He is a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Keene said that during his first term he pressed successfully for the revitalization of the Dresden Communicator. The monthly newsletter had ceased the printed version sent to all residents and was only available online. “Not everybody has a computer,” he said.

He has also supported the switch from elected to hired town office workers. The town is currently interviewing for town clerk and tax collector to go into effect following final approval at town meeting. “It will increase efficiency at the town office,” he said.

Keene would also like to see work done to save the Old Town Hall.  “I would like to see the town put some funds into saving the building,” he said.

He would like to see an effort to construct a community kitchen that would serve the fire department and the public in a structure that would link the fire engine garage and Pownalborough Hall. “It would serve the entire community,”said Keene.

In other races, Jeff Pierce is unopposed on the ballot for a three-year term on the Regional School Unit 2 board. Gary Blau is running for a three-year term on the budget review committee. 

A Meet the Candidates Night will be held a 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6 at Pownalborough Hall.

Elections will be held at  Pownalborough Hall on Tuesday, June 11. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.