PITTSFIELD, Maine — Three people are on the ballot for an at-large councilor seat in a special election Wednesday.
Caleb Curtis, who was elected in November, was sworn in last Tuesday to his new seat, which formerly was filled by Michael Gray. Michael Cianchette recently resigned because of a change in work obligations.
With the special election, both empty seats on the council will be filled.
Casual conversation about the election has been missing, however, as many people are not even aware it is happening.
“There’s an election? Really?” said Liza Thomas, a Pittsfield resident, when asked Monday whether she was prepared to vote. Overhearing Thomas’ comment, another person turned and asked, “What is the election for?”
The vote for a councilor is the only item on the ballot.
The candidates are Christopher Carr, Michelle Hackett and Jan Laux.
Christopher Carr, 39, has been a Maine state trooper for 15 years and involved in law enforcement for 21 years.
“I am a person that listens to people every day and can make good, strong decisions. I am a strong leader,” he said.
Carr said he has established Pittsfield as his family’s home and has become very involved in the community.
“I have a vested interest in seeing this community thrive. My wife teaches in SAD 53 and my two daughters are in school here,” he said.
Carr said he is seeking accountability in town government. “We need fiscal responsibility in these tough economic times,” he said. He said he has no personal agenda but to see the town flourish.
Michelle Hackett, 27, is a stay-at-home mom with a young son, Emerson. She is a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington. Hackett said her husband is a history teacher at Maine Central Institute, which has prompted her to want to put down roots in Pittsfield.
She was active in the Democratic Party during the recent election cycle, another activity that sparked her interest in local politics.
Hackett said, “I am a good communicator and a good listener. I think I can function as a mouthpiece for Pittsfield citizens and bring their concerns forward to the council.”
Hackett said she has enlisted on the recycling committee and feels that the roof problem at the municipal theater is one of her priorities.
Jan Laux, 62, is a retired superintendent of schools who now works as a consultant. He is married, the father of three daughters and has four granddaughters. He is a member of the SAD 53 board of directors.
Laux said he feels it is very important for people to serve their communities and he felt he could be an asset on the council.
“There are a whole lot of issues out there,” he said. “I have quite a bit of life experience and I think I can bring a fresh perspective to solutions.”
Laux said he has been closely following Pittsfield’s infrastructure problems and believes it is “very important to set some priorities and use our dollars wisely.”
The election will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the town office complex.