FAIRFIELD — There is one contested race this year for a seat on the Town Council, with incumbent Lawrence MacDonald facing two challengers, Duane Bickford and Matthew Tulley, for a three-year term.
MacDonald, 57, operates an auto dealership in Fairfield and said his focus on the council is improving transparency in municipal operations and encouraging more involvement by residents in town government. The town is finally “back on track” thanks to a drop in property taxes, he said, but adds that “there is still a lot of work that needs to be done on (taxes).”
Lawrence MacDonald Courtesy photo
“I would just like to see Fairfield continue on that path with a good vision,” MacDonald said. “I think I bring all that to the council, which was what was lacking a year ago.”
He said he’s played a role in keeping down the tax rate.
“If the voters want a business person to form the direction that the town is going to go, they should vote for me,” he said.
He added that the town is doing its best in responding to PFAS contamination by keeping residents informed. Many residents are contending with contaminated water wells, but MacDonald opposes an effort to expand water service by the Kennebec Water District if it creates a financial burden on residents.
Bickford, 67, was the fire chief of the Fairfield and Benton Fire-Rescue Department for 23 years. He has served on the Fairfield Planning Board and currently sits on the town’s economic development committee.
Bickford said he wants to focus on steps to reduce the impact of PFAS contamination on the town and its residents. “I think it’s a very important issue that should be investigated,” he said.
Duane Bickford Courtesy photo
He also said it’s important that residents participate in council meetings. “You can’t have a vibrant community without citizen involvement,” he said.
Bickford said he identifies with community groups in Fairfield and hopes to work with them. “I have the experience and I am a lifelong resident of the community who would like to see it improved,” he said.
Tulley, 53 has been a resident of the town for more than 30 years. His wife Sara runs a food truck called Sara’s Cabin where he likes to help out occasionally.
He wants to see more done in attracting new business to Fairfield while also working to secure state money for mental health services. He aims to focus on building a business-friendly attitude in town to revamp the business structure. He also has an interest in special education and children with special needs, and argues that public education needs to be “held at a higher standard.”
“We need change,” Tulley said. “We need to revitalize the mainstream education system and our business plan as far as the community goes.”
Matthew Tulley Courtesy photo
As the town continues to grapple with forever chemicals, he said Fairfield hasn’t done enough to take advantage of state and federal programs that could help bring some relief to residents.
Voters will choose from among the three candidates on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
They’ll also find a question on the ballot asking if voters will establish a charter commission for the purpose of revising the town charter.
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