AUGUSTA — New blood is coming to the Augusta City Council, regardless of who wins the race for the at-large seat being left by veteran Councilor Edward Coffin.

Both candidates for the three-year spot cite experiences in public or military service that qualify them for the job, and neither has served public elected office before.

And both Corey Vose and Jeffrey Bilodeau say they are ready.

“I have public service experience, business experience, family community involvement, and am well-versed on all the issues,” said Vose, currently chairman of the Augusta Planning Board. “I am ready for the Augusta City Council and will hit the ground running on day one. I offer myself as a new young leader for Augusta.”

Bilodeau, who works at Camp Keyes as deputy officer for mobilization and readiness, has held many leadership positions during his time in the military, including time deployed to Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Augusta is my hometown,” Bilodeau said. “My roots are here. My family and work experiences have taught me a strong work ethic and important core values that serve me well today.

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“After serving my country, I have come back home to raise my own family and to give something back.”

Bilodeau said the most important issues for the city are the economy and jobs.

He also said it is important for the city to build a deeper sense of community. He suggested the city could help by implementing the recommendations of the city’s 2007 Comprehensive Plan.

“This plan provides a good balance between sound economic growth and the enhancement of dynamic and viable neighborhoods,” Bilodeau said.

Vose, who works for food distributor PFG NorthCenter, said spurring economic development to provide jobs to keep young people here, while also maintaining quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods, are important issues for the city.

So are the protection and retention of the most important pieces of history, he said, while improving the city’s infrastructure.

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Vose said he supports Mayor William Stokes’ “jobs creation panel,” and business roundtables as ways to help the local economy.

“This effort, spearheaded by entrepreneur Roger Pomerleau, brings together the area’s best and brightest business people and other city leaders to brainstorm and to tutor current businesses who wish to expand and to find ways to attract new business to Augusta,” Vose said. “I come from a family of small-business people, and understand the engine of our economy.”

Both candidates said they would be effective problem-solvers on the City Council.

“I will approach the job in an open-minded, non-partisan way, seeking solutions to problems rather than creating divisiveness,” Vose said. “I feel I am best qualified for City Council.”

Bilodeau, meanwhile, said: “These are tough times and Augusta needs someone who will step up to the plate and have the courage to do what is right and to do what is best for all the people. I am that person. I have a proven record in effective leadership and a deep and abiding commitment to do the best job I can.”

Coffin, who is retiring from the council, recently endorsed Vose in a letter to the editor.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com

 


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