WATERVILLE — A local bank controller who was nominated by the city GOP to run for mayor said he hopes to usher in an age of fiscal responsibilty akin to when now-Gov. Paul LePage was mayor.

“He cut our debt, increased our credit rating, and where are we now?” said Nick Isgro, 32, after he was nominated unopposed Tuesday night to run on the party ticket for mayor.

The Skowhegan Savings Bank controller is seeking the seat now held by Mayor Karen Heck, an independent, who said she will not seek re-election.

Isgro was the only candidate for mayor Tuesday at the Republicans’ city caucus and one of five nominees for 19 positions in city elections this November. From Ward 2, Zack Bickford was nomiated to run for city councilor uncontested, with two votes. From Ward 4, Sydney Mayhew was nominated to run for city councilor.

In Waterville, Democrats have the largest party registration. As of June 10, there were 4,565 voters enrolled as Democrats, 1,944 enrolled Republicans, 357 enrolled Green Independents and 4,207 unenrolled voters.

Isgro said this election is a chance for Republicans to garner party enthusiasm and win seats in local government.

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“The reality is we shouldn’t be discouraged. We should be excited. We should want to get out there,” he said.

Neal Patterson, chairman of the Waterville Republicans, said the meeting drew a good turnout compared those of to other years, which he attributed to more awareness about the caucus.

He said it can be challenging to find nominees for some of the lesser-known positions, such as warden and ward clerk, and was pleased that two volunteers had stepped forward during the caucus.

Herbert Oliver, of Ward 5, and Carol Blier, of Ward 4, were nominated to serve as Republican wardens at elections and oversee the local voting process.

There were no volunteers for the three available seats on the Board of Education, the two Kennebec Water District Board of Trustees posts and 11 ward clerk and warden positions. Patterson said the city clerk encourages one ward clerk from each party on voting day, but the Waterville GOP often is unable to find enough volunteers.

Sue Morissette, vice chairwoman of the Maine Republican Party, attended the caucus Tuesday and told those gathered in the City Council chambers that by participating, they were making a difference.

“Just showing up means a lot,” she said.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252

kschroeder@centralmaine.com


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