Karen J. Klatt and Michael A. Miller will seek the seat left open after Councilor Jeffrey A. Schneider's decision not to seek re- election.
District 4 encompasses most of western Brunswick, an area where some in local government have talked about possibly creating an industrial park.
KAREN J. KLATT
AGE: 47
ADDRESS: 32 Moody Road
PERSONAL: Married, two children
EDUCATION: Associate degree in accounting
OCCUPATION: Stay-at-home mother
POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: None
ON THE ISSUES: Klatt said her platform is based on four points: she vows to restore trust in town government; would encourage fiscal responsibility; would try to foster a sense of community for all ages; and would provide effective leadership. Klatt said she feels the town no longer acts in the best interest of citizens, but does act in the best interest of "big business and development." There is a place for economic development, but Klatt said it should be accomplished responsibly within fiscal constraints and be mandated by the people. "Brunswick is a great place to live, and I do not want to see that lifestyle disappear in favor of industrial parks, strip malls and chain restaurants," Klatt said.
MICHAEL A. MILLER
AGE: 47
ADDRESS: 104 Moody Road
PERSONAL: Single, one child
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in business economics and pre- law, University of California, Santa Barbara, graduating with honors
OCCUPATION: Commercial real estate broker, NAI The Dunham Group, Portland
POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Served on the board of directors for the Mid-Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross; member, Brunswick Elks Lodge; member, Maine Commercial Realtors Association
ON THE ISSUES: Miller pledges to implement fiscal responsibility and to lower property taxes if elected. He would make the expansion of the Brunswick Police Department and relocating the town office to Hawthorne School a priority -- which he views as ways to attract and retain top talent in municipal government.
He is concerned about the job losses that will occur once the Brunswick Naval Air Station closes. Miller said that prospect makes planned economic development even more important.
But, he says, economic development needs to be balanced and done correctly to maintain Brunswick's quality of life and small- town atmosphere. At the same time, according to Miller, the town needs to maintain the vitality of its business community.
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