ROCKLAND, Maine — An independent journalist has joined the race for a single seat on the Rockland City Council.
Judith Lawson took out nomination papers Thursday. Lawson, a resident of Main Street, said she decided to run because she wants to represent the real people of Rockland. Lawson said the current council’s actions in limiting public comment are against democracy.
Thus far, incumbent Frank Isganitis of Limerock Street, activist Deborah Atwell of Pleasant Street and William Jillson of Lake View Drive have taken out papers for the three-year seat. Jillson has returned his papers to get on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Candidates have until Sept. 21 to file their papers to make the ballot.
Lawson said she has worked as an independent journalist in Chile as well as the United States. She said she began coming to the midcoast area 35 years ago when she was having a boat built at Lyman Morse in Thomaston so she could sail around the world.
Incumbents Esther “Tess” Kilgour of Beech Street and Nancy Jeffers of Tea Street have taken out papers for the two open seats to represent Rockland on the Regional School Unit 13 Board.