Two of three Alna selectmen to change

SUSAN JOHNS
Mon, 01/30/2023 - 8:45am

    Two of Alna’s three selectboard seats will be on the ballot in March and neither incumbent is running. In separate email responses to questions, Third Selectman Charles Culbertson and Second Selectman Linda Kristan reflected on their time on the board, including how meetings changed in tone and technology, and said why they are not seeking second terms. 

    According to information Town Clerk Sarah Perkins provided after the deadline passed to file nomination papers, Coreysha Stone will be the lone candidate on the ballot for third selectman and Steven Graham will be the lone one on there for second selectman. Road Commissioner Jeff Verney is running again; Douglas Morier seeks three more years representing the town on Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit’s board; and Shelby Biddy, appointed last November after Kristina Verney resigned, seeks a two-year term on that board.

    Culbertson said he had been undecided on seeking re-election “but ultimately, professional and family considerations in the coming couple of years would make it difficult for me to devote the necessary time and energy to be an effective selectboard member.” The federal emeritus scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey will take part in a three-year research program with Bowdoin College and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on a project starting this spring in Harpswell Sound; he collaborates with Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire universities; his son heads to college this fall and, Culbertson added, his daughter will be starting her college search.  

    “I reflect on my two years of service to the town with a sense of pride and accomplishment, despite the inauspicious beginning for the newly elected selectboard that was fairly well documented in the local press! Indeed, it was a steep learning curve for a novice municipal officer, compounded by ongoing strife in the town that preceded me in office, and a perceived motivation by some to see us fail as a cohesive selectboard unit. Other than a few (more) grey hairs, I think we weathered the storm and were able to accomplish some positive things for the town,” including the Cross Road project and grants toward efforts including replacing the bridge over Ben Brook on Egypt Road.
     
    Culbertson said being general assistance coordinator was the most rewarding aspect of his service as a selectman. “Being in a position to help those in need is truly gratifying and I hope to remain involved with this program going forward,” he said.
     
    “Looking back two years ago, I feel the town has become less divided than it was, and this constructive civility has resulted in more and more residents becoming engaged in community involvement. I'm proud to have been a part of that transition.”
     
    Kristan said her two years as second selectman have been challenging and rewarding “in the same measure.” She noted the board got the Cross Road project done, held the tax rate steady and, with improved technology at the town office, added meetings’ hybrid option she said has increased residents’ ways to be informed on and take part in town business. “We maintained services to residents during a pandemic and a time of significant staff and board transitions ... I am particularly pleased that residents now treat each other with respect and civility at public meetings and the number and the diversity of people stepping forward to serve in volunteer roles in the town has increased.”
     
    Grants the town got for projects including the Egypt Road bridge, a safety fence at Head Tide Dam, a town office heat pump, and to find ways to enhance safety near Pinkham Pond show the board’s teamwork, Kristan said.
     
    “I have chosen not to run again for personal reasons but I wish the new selectboard members well and stand ready to assist them in the transition in any way that I can. I thank the residents of Alna for their confidence in me and for allowing me the chance to serve. It has been a privilege to work with such fine colleagues and the knowledgeable and supportive staff at the Alna town office,” she added.
     
    Polls will be open at the fire station from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 24, First Selectman Ed Pentaleri said. 

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