New to municipal government, Jeff Whitney is running for Caribou City Council because he wants to lower taxes, keep skilled people local and be a voice for those who are overlooked.
Whitney, 47, described himself as a Republican in the Abe Lincoln tradition who embraces smaller government, with an eye toward taking care of the elderly and those with mental challenges.
Caribou residents will elect three council representatives in November. Whitney is running unopposed for a three-year term. He is joined by Tamara Lovewell and George LaCasse Jr., who are also running unopposed.
Colleagues inspired him to enter the race, Whitney said. He works at Facilities Inc., a nonprofit that oversees 45 residential and five commercial properties in which tenants either provide or have a relationship with mental health services.
“I have familiarized myself with past debates, meetings and articles and come to the conclusion that like so many communities, drugs, unemployment and crime plague this area,” he said. “My current employment puts me right in the thick of knowing residents trying to repair their lives.”
Whitney believes it’s important to support mental health agencies as they work to help residents overcome hurdles.
He’s explored many career paths, but credits his past community work for influencing his desire for public service.
He served as a teen volunteer with his local police department, then advanced through police cadet academies and obtained a criminal justice degree, he said. He’s also volunteered as security at Special Olympics events.
If elected, Whitney’s top issues include taxes and retaining youth and skilled workers. But he also wants to be a voice for the city’s Public Works and emergency personnel, who frequently miss out on family time as they tend to accidents, fires, crime and problems that come with cold weather, he said.
“I am passionate to be a voice for the heroes in our community that are often overlooked, but keep us going all year long,” he said. “When we all want snow for holidays, adventures on our trails, hunting and just visits to see the uniqueness of this area, these hard workers make it possible for our business folk to open their shops, restaurants and outdoor venues.”
Whitney said he, like most people, has had moments of struggle and cares deeply about community. He hopes he can strengthen Caribou, his adopted community in which he wants to retire.
Fatherhood and homeownership happened early in his life at 18, and family is everything to him, he said.
He knows stepping up to serve means he’ll be in the public eye, and he welcomes hearing from others on topics they care about. Whether people agree or disagree, conversations are needed to help the city resolve issues and thrive.
“I would love to hear fresh ideas for motivating the whole community,” Whitney said. “I will dedicate 100% of myself to the City Council and I will do everything in my power to make this area a better, more welcoming community.”