Burleigh H. Loveitt, 60, is asking voters for an additional three-year term on the town council. He is one of three incumbents facing five challengers for council seats.
Improving transportation in Gorham is a passion for Loveitt. “Good roads, that’s what we need,” said Loveitt, who has not favored the town subsidizing any municipal bus service.
He was a council representative on the state’s committee for a bypass, which is under construction. Loveitt favors a spur to link the bypass with the Maine Turnpike as another step to ease Gorham’s traffic woes and improve transportation.
“If we can attach Gorham to the outside world by roadway, life in Gorham will be better,” Loveitt said.
Loveitt, who is chairman of the economic development/capital improvements committee, would favor a Y-shaped spur with legs to both south and east Gorham. He said a turnpike link would enhance the business climate in Gorham.
Industrial growth would help keep tax rates reasonable, said Loveitt, who is not against the proposed quarry and asphalt plant.
A member of the council’s ordinance committee, Loveitt favored recent ordinance changes governing noise and quarries. He said the council action addressed oversights and errors in the ordinances, but changes drew criticism from opponents of the asphalt plant.
Lifelong residents of Gorham, Loveitt and his wife, Deborah Alden Loveitt, have three children and three grandchildren.
He favored the ordinance that restricts were registered sex offenders could live in Gorham. But, he opposed an amendment that would have restricted locations where sex offenders could have worked.
The owner of Edgewood Animal Hospital, Loveitt is a veterinarian. Loveitt attended Gorham schools and graduated with a bachelor of science degree at the University of Maine at Orono in 1969. He earned a doctor of veterinary medicine in Missouri in 1973.
He said his contribution to the community over the years has been giving time to boards and committees. Loveitt, currently council vice chairman, has served many terms on the town council, several years as its chairman.
Loveitt wants to continue serving because dealing with issues facing Gorham requires experience on the council.
Re-election could mark Loveitt’s finale after decades of municipal service to his hometown. “It’s probably my last trip around,” Loveitt said.
He envisions bright potential for Gorham and wants to help guide the town into its future.
“Gorham is on the cusp of greatness,” Loveitt said.
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