This year's municipal election has attracted a sizeable group of candidates to the Select Board race - seven contenders for three seats. The wide range of qualifications and backgrounds of the group gives residents choices.

​

Information about each candidate is available in a number of locations – bios posted to the town website, video of candidate night on Townhall Streams, individual Facebook and campaign websites, Forecaster interview.

​

FULL DISCLOSURE: my husband is one of the candidates for a 3-year term.

​

Prior to this election cycle, I did not know any of the other candidates well - three of them I had never met, and the other three I had only spoken to a few times at municipal meetings. Although North Yarmouth is a small town, I suspect there are others who might want a little more information before election day. So, I offered individual interviews.

Following represents nearly 15 hours of conversation with the candidates that accepted my offer. I opened each discussion by asking their vision of the role, and from there, my questions followed where they led. We touched on many of the issues facing North Yarmouth. I have worked to edit the dialogue down to what I heard were the key priorities for each candidate – essentially what points they kept coming back to. Extra care was given to try to remove my voice and deliver a final product that represents the uniqueness of each candidate. My intent was not to debate, but to listen.

​

As I acknowledged, my husband is a candidate - I did not do his interview, nor did I edit its content.

I appreciate the trust that each candidate has given. The conversations were all very positive, and I recommend  residents who have questions to reach out to the candidate and talk to them - particularly if there is an issue that is important to you, but I did not include it in a candidate's response. We all have busy lives. I am as guilty as any for relying too much on email and text. But the value of honest conversation is immeasurable.

​

Election Day is June 14. Other municipal positions and the school budget are on the ballot. I encourage all residents to make the most informed choice you can. Sample Ballot: link. General Election Information: link.

​

     - Rachael Whitmarsh