At the polls March 22 or by absentee ballot now, Alna voters will choose between incumbent road commissioner Jeffrey Verney and his predecessor, Michael Trask. Town Clerk Sarah Perkins announced Feb. 29, absentee ballots are available. The application states, “An absentee ballot request must be received by the Municipal Clerk by the close of business on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Municipal Clerk by 7 p.m. on Friday March 22, 2024.”

Perkins has said all the other races on the ballot each had one candidate: First Selectman Ed Pentaleri seeks another two years in that seat; and Shelby Biddy seeks three more years on Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit’s board.

Voting at the polls at the fire station March 22 runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to alna.maine.gov

Wiscasset Newspaper sent the road commissioner candidates a questionnaire. Here are their responses:

Michael Trask

Address: 1550 Alna Road

Occupation: Welder at BIW

Education: Washington County Community College

Political history: Acting Road Commissioner from 2001-2011

Clubs and organizations: 35-plus years as a firefighter and 29 years as Fire Chief. As well as 10 years as a cemetery trustee.

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less): In my opinion the three most pressing issues would be that we need a comprehensive 10-year plan to deal with the maintenance of the town roads and we need to raise and save money, just as we do for fire trucks that I oversee as fire chief, and when we are ready to execute the road plans we will be able to. Secondly, I have always believed in regular pro-active preventive maintenance of our road investment. Our road upgrade and pavement projects from 12 years ago (2010) when I was last in office have held up in better shape than anyone anticipated because of careful planning and good execution. Furthermore, I have a proven record in many years as road commissioner and chief. As a contributor to thinking and policy on a variety of town issues, I think has caused several boards of selectmen to have faith and trust in my judgment even when they don’t agree on a particular issue. At selectman meetings I may challenge and support the board on a variety of issues, but I think they always understand that we are all working toward the best interests of the town.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? 150 words or less: My kids are adults and successfully making their way in the world, my personal economy is secure with BIW and other projects. I now have the time and compelling interest to keep the roads in good condition. People who remember that my father was both road commissioner and fire chief for many years recall his personal commitment to both jobs and the town he grew up in and will find that I will continue his legacy.

Jeffrey Verney

Address: 12 Verney Road

Occupation: Business owner of Jeffrey Verney Excavation 

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Alna Road Commissioner 2012-Present

Clubs/Organizations: Alna Snowmobile Club member

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less): One main concern is keeping the Rabbit Path and Lothrop Road well maintained through the duration of the CMP corridor project. A few other concerns include working to keep all ditches cleared, bushes trimmed back beside the roads and getting the dirt roads in town graded.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? 150 words or less: I have always lived in Alna and take pride in our town. I am very familiar with all of the roads, am knowledgeable in the business, take pride in doing every job the right way while also trying to keep costs down for the town. Lastly, I have equipment available so I can always help the town in emergencies instead of having to call contractors from out of town to do the work which would likely increase costs.