The town’s former road commissioner and an employee of Durham Public Works are challenging incumbent Jonathan Morris for a seat on the Pownal Board of Selectmen in municipal elections, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9.
The elections, which coincide with the Regional School Unit 5 budget referendum, are scheduled for 8 a.m.-8 p.m., at Mallett Hall.
Shawn Bennett and Timothy Grant are the challengers to Morris, who has served on the Board of Selectmen for eight years. Terms are three years.
Morris, who teaches at Franklin School in Auburn, said he is running again because he loves the town. He sees the town’s share of the cost of running RSU 5 as a huge challenge.
“We have to find a way to work out some sort of understanding,” said Morris, 62. “We have to figure out how the school budget can work, because that’s going to drive the town budget. It’s a big deal, and we sit scratching our heads at every meeting.”
Bennett resigned as road commissioner in February. The position has been shared with Durham since 2012. Bennett works for All-States Material Group, a construction company with an office in Windham, but has maintained his Pownal residence.
“I’ve served the town as road commissioner for 13 years, and I have a thorough understanding of town finances,” he said. “I want to make sure the town continues to work on its roads infrastructure.”
Bennett, 46, said he has a good working knowledge of the town’s needs.
“I was born and brought up in town and I think I have a lot to offer,” he said. “I’ve been to every selectmen’s meeting for 13 years, and I have a good feel for what’s going on.”
Grant is a laborer and truck driver for Durham Public Works, and has worked with Bennett.
“I believe the town could save some money on public works,” said Grant, who declined to get into specifics.
While Grant, 47, has been a coach and sent his children through the Regional School Unit 5 school system, he does not believe RSU 5 has been a good thing for Pownal.
“I don’t believe the school system is working,” he said. “I was against it from the start. I feel bad for the residents of Durham as well.”
The annual Pownal town meeting is scheduled for June 15 at Pownal Elementary School, beginning at 7 p.m.
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