WATERVILLE — The City Council on Tuesday will interview four candidates for the Ward 4 council seat vacated by Dana Sennett when he was elected mayor June 14.

The council candidates, who had until 5 p.m. Thursday to submit letters of interest to the city, are:

* Alicia Barnes works for Assistance Plus, teaching daily living skills to and supporting people recovering from severe mental illnesses. She is a former Navy electronic technician.

* Edward Lachowicz is a junior at the University of Maine majoring in social work. He also is treasurer of Kennebec County Democrats.

* Erik Thomas is owner of Digital ImageWorks and Sweet People Productions, a concert promotion company. He also is a member of the Planning Board.

* David R. Vashon is base engineer for the Maine Air National Guard. He also is former chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Barnes, of 4 Queens Way, wrote in her letter of interest to the city that she returned to Maine seven months ago after serving in the Navy and getting a bachelor’s in psychology from Purdue University. She said she garnered a diverse perspective of people and value systems while living outside of Maine.

“I returned to Waterville with my two children because I cherish the positive experiences I had growing up in Waterville and I want my children to have the same opportunities.”

Lachowicz, of 70 Violette Ave., formerly served on the Democratic State Committee. His letter said he believes his commitment to service and interest in public policy are strong qualifications for the position. He has been talking to Ward 4 voters about their concerns, he said.

“For about the past eight years, I have been involved in politics on all levels, from local to national. I have worked for several candidates, as well as issues campaigns, and have served on various committees. I have a basic knowledge of what a councilor’s responsibilities are, as well as some knowledge of parliamentary procedure.”

Thomas, of 151 First Rangeway, is chairman of the Democratic City Committee. His letter said that as a Planning Board member for three years and a member of the Board of Directors for Waterville Main Street — the last two as vice president — he has been heavily involved in the community and the next logical step is to serve the city as a councilor.

“I am particularly interested in working on helping Waterville to attract and retain young people, which I believe is a key to Waterville’s future. Part of accomplishing that goal is working to bring new employment opportunities to the city, and also working to enhance social opportunities for all of the city’s residents.”

Vashon, of 8 Oak Knoll Drive, was chairman of the Zoning Board from 1992 to 2003 and was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District from 1993 to 2003. As fire marshal for the Maine Air National Guard, he administers a 35-person crash-fire-rescue squad for Bangor International Airport. He holds degrees in criminal justice, engineering and business.

“Citizens give back to the community,” his letter saidy. “My training, education, and my experience with city government and as a third generation resident of the city, will allow me to help move this great city forward.”

The council will interview the candidates in open session. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday. It will be preceded by an executive session at 6:45 p.m. to consider a tax abatement.

City Clerk Arlene Strahan said the council could appoint someone to the seat that night.

“They have the option to do that, or they could decide to postpone it to give it more thought,” she said.

Whomever is appointed will serve to the end of the year. But that position, as well as those for mayor, council, Board of Education, wardens and ward clerks in wards two, four and six, are up for re-election in November. Two seats on the Kennebec Water District also are available.

Caucuses to nominate candidates for the positions must be held no later than Aug. 10, Strahan said.

Thomas said the Democratic City Committee will caucus at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 in the city council chambers.

Diann McGraw, secretary-treasurer of the City Republican Committee, said her committee will caucus at 6 p.m. July 25 in the council chambers.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

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