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A political newcomer is challenging an incumbent for a three-year at-large term on the town council.

By JOHN RICHARDSON, Staff Writer May 30, 2009

A Standish town councilor and a longtime resident making his first run will face off in the only contested race for local office in the June 9 election.

Margaret Spencer, a retiree, is seeking a second three-year at-large term on the council. Robert Doehler, a business consultant, is hoping to unseat her and shake up the council's priorities.

In other local elections, Philip Pomerleau is running unopposed for another term on the town council and David Hopkins is running unopposed for a seat on the board of directors for School Administrative District 6. All terms are for three years.

Spencer, first elected in 2006, said she wants to continue serving the town.

"I like the camaraderie with the other councilors, and I have the time and it's just something that I enjoy," she said.

Spencer has supported keeping taxes at an even level and said the council has been doing a good job of balancing finances and services.

"We have a very tight budget," she said.

As councilor, she helped create a new fund, Bottles for Fuel, that helps needy residents pay for heating fuel.

"I'd like to see more activity for the youth in Standish and for the seniors," she said.

Spencer said that's why she had been an advocate for a community center in town, although that issue has since taken a back seat because of economic pressures on the community.

Spencer defended cuts in community programs for youth this year, saying the cuts were made in response to falling enrollments.

She also said she supports the efforts of a town committee trying to promote economic development, although "right now I don't think you can expect to bring in too much."

Doehler is a business consultant and the father of eight children who have gone through, or are still in, local schools.

He hasn't been interested in politics before, he said, but is frustrated with the current council.

"To be honest, I'm not very pleased with the way the town has been going," Doehler said. "I just think the family is being ignored in town. I feel (the council) has been catering to the older person and keeping spending in check."

Doehler cited the recent cuts to community services as an example. "They cut some recreation and after-school programs that parents actually need. I don't think (parents) were well represented there," he said. "Let's have a town council that represents the mix of the town more accurately."

Despite the focus on limiting spending, he said, the council hasn't kept taxes down because it has not done enough to promote economic development.

A more cohesive town center and identity would help draw that kind of investment and better limit tax increases to residents, he said.

"They might start by enticing revenue in here and getting a place where we can raise children so they can stay. They grow up and they have to leave. There's nothing here for them," Doehler said.

Staff Writer John Richardson can be contacted at 791-6324 or at:

jrichardson@pressherald.com