A Houlton man who was Town Council chairman when he termed out two years ago brings a business focus as he runs to continue his work on the council.
Chris Robinson, 60, who has served as the sales manager for Carroll’s Auto Sales in Presque Isle for nearly two decades, is seeking a three-year seat as a declared write-in candidate.
“I thought I was fairly effective the last time I was a councilor and chair and because of that I thought I could do it again,” Robinson said. “There were some key deciding votes I made as chair.”
Also on the ballot for the one of three open three-year terms are councilors Sue Tortello and J.J. Schools. Declared write-in Matt Carr is also vying for the seat.
Coming in on the heels of a two-year period of upheaval, with multiple town managers leaving the post, Robinson believes that with a strong council and a strong town manager things can be leveled out and corrected.
“We need to be able to find a balance between administering goods and services and attending to the people who pay the taxes,” he said. “It’s a hard, hard thing.”
An increasing demand for town services alongside a large number of residents on fixed incomes is a big challenge. Take for example, if you have a retired couple on a fixed income and their property assessment keeps going up or their taxes keep going up, their monthly income doesn’t. The number one priority is “budgeting the budget,” trying to find the balance between goods and services and taxpayer burden.
“If you budget the budget the rest all fall in line,” he said.
Robinson said that the spending decisions cannot be short-sighted, giving the example of small county towns deciding to eliminate essential services like police. Washburn is one such town that did so, and now is patrolled alternately by sheriff’s deputies and Maine State Police.
People often don’t realize what happens when you do that, Robinson said. That expense may no longer be in the town budget, but the county tax increases because the Aroostook County Sheriff’s office now covers the town.
Robinson, who describes himself as an advocate for taxpayers and a strong police department, does not favor eliminating police because “there will be more problems than ever.”
“It’s a very complicated web we weave here,” Robinson said. “And every little thing we do affects part of it. It goes back to everybody wanting goods and services but can’t afford to pay for it.”
For example, he pointed to a diminishing population base and dwindling school enrollment, and wonders if the town is at a level where there needs to be serious talk of school consolidation.
The most important issues for the town to address are the budget, affordable housing and homelessness, Robinson said.
“Affordable housing — what’s the rent in Houlton, $1,000 or $1,500?” he asked. “That’s more than a mortgage.”
The housing issue and homelessness tie together, and town leaders have to examine it. They shouldn’t ignore it, he said.
Robinson, who has served multiple terms on the council, said he absolutely believes in term limits. It’s the right thing because it forces change and other people to come forward, he said.
“I believe in the charter that was created, [which says] after two consecutive three-year terms you have to get off for two years,” he said. “I am a strong believer in that system.”
Robinson holds a bachelor of science in environmental studies from the University of Maine System and lives in Houlton with his wife, Vicki. They have two daughters. He also runs a nonprofit, Wilderness Walk for Warriors, with his brother.
“My hands are full, but I always feel like part of me wants to try and give back, and [that’s[ why we started the nonprofit,” Robinson said. “I like giving back.”
