A Houlton Town Council incumbent, who was appointed in October 2025, is seeking a one-year term for one of five open council seats.
Jeffrey Maguire, 60, owner of several Houlton-based protective services businesses, is running against challenger Darrell Scott White.
Maguire, an Iraq combat veteran, wants to make Houlton one of Maine’s safest towns by investing in local police and tackling homelessness and drug-related crime, he said.
“We should make significant investments in our police department, as they are the most vital agency in Houlton,” Maguire said. “When allocating funds, enhancing wages and providing better equipment for our officers should be our top priority.”
He owns Maguire Protective Services, a security company specializing in personal protection for clients that include celebrities around the world.
Maguire also owns Mundbora Inc., a local company that designs and manufactures body-shield backpacks and computer bags. The products are made by Amish craftsmen in Aroostook County and are designed to help protect individuals from danger, he said.
“My primary motivation for joining the Town Council last year was to address the significant moral and management issues plaguing our community,” he said. “I wanted to ensure positive change and restore our town’s reputation.”
Maguire was appointed to the Town Council in the wake of former Town Manager Cameron Clark’s arrest and the resultant town fallout.
With new town leadership now in place, Maguire is running for another term to continue the momentum.
“I genuinely believe that my presence is essential for achieving this goal, especially since there are those who may resist growth due to their personal business interests,” he said.
To grow and enrich Houlton, the community needs a broader world perspective. Local experience is valuable, but relying on the same people and approaches year after year will continue to produce the same results, he said.
“What we truly need are fresh ideas and new faces committed to the growth of our town,” he said. “It’s crucial to be transparent about the upcoming election and the steps we must take. This election should not devolve into a popularity contest.”
Certain local businesses resist new development out of fear it may impact profits, and that mindset is detrimental to the community’s progress, he said.
His goals over the next year are to bring new businesses to Houlton, including hotels, restaurants and retail stores, and to beautify “our beloved town.”
Maguire believes Houlton needs thoughtful change, innovative leadership and people who bring knowledge from outside the community while respecting its history and character. By attracting talented people with diverse backgrounds, skills and perspectives, the town can create new opportunities, encourage investment and build a stronger future for everyone.
“Change does not mean abandoning Houlton’s identity. It means giving our community the vision and energy necessary to preserve what is great while improving what no longer works,” he said. “If you want to improve our town and create jobs, vote for me. If not, vote for the other guy.”
