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Kristi Bryant

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Allen Daggett

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Stuart Barwise

STUART BARWISE

AGE: 43

ADDRESS: 98 R Wildes District Road

PERSONAL: Married, two children

OCCUPATION: General manager of the White Barn Inn, the Yachtsman Lodge and Marina and the Beach House Inn

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in business administration and hospitality, Boston University

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: One term on the board of selectmen

 

ALLEN DAGGETT

AGE: 58

ADDRESS: 21 Kenneth Lane

PERSONAL: Married, five children

OCCUPATION: Owner, Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. and Cape Pier Chowder House

EDUCATION: Studied business administration at Odessa College

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: One term on the board of selectmen

 

KRISTI BRYANT

AGE: 42

ADDRESS: 422 Mills Road

PERSONAL: Divorced, two children

OCCUPATION: Reference and technology librarian, Wells Public Library

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in social sciences, with a minor in education, University of Southern Maine

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: One term on the board of selectmen; unsuccessful bid for state Senate

The Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen's race has two incumbents and one former member competing for two seats.

Incumbents Allen Daggett and Kristi Bryant are each seeking a second term. They face a challenge from Stuart Barwise, who served one term ending in 2007.

All three candidates said they are motivated by a desire to serve the town. Keeping property taxes down, the revaluation and affordable housing are some of the themes in this year's race.

Daggett, the owner of Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. and Cape Pier Chowder House, said he truly enjoys helping the people of the town. As a single parent with limited resources, Bryant thinks she offers a unique perspective that she applies to budget issues that affect residents' paychecks. Barwise, the general manager of local inns, said he would bring to the position experience in both business and community organizations, an understanding of the economic drivers of the area and diplomacy.

Barwise said he didn't seek a second term earlier because he had taken a job based three hours away and did not think it was fair to the town to be away so much. The opportunity for a locally based job later presented itself, but it was too late to take out papers to run, he said.

All three candidates stressed the need to keep costs and property taxes under control.

Daggett, who is the board's vice chairman and had been on the pier committee, believes the town is on the right track and has been pro-active about keeping expenses in check.

"Our town is in relatively good shape. We're not going to have an increase in our mil rate," he said.

Bryant, who works as a librarian in Wells, said she brings scrutiny and her concerns about residents' assets and resources to the budget process.

"I'm the one who certainly says 'no,' " she said.

Barwise, who served on the budget committee, believes this year's budget is a great example of restraint. He said these days it is especially difficult to balance quality services with residents' willingness and ability to pay for them.

"I'm all about the business of the town, and trying to take care of business, get it done," said Barwise, who has served on a number of boards, including the regional planning board for the new school district.

Daggett and Barwise stressed the need to handle the town's revaluation well. Daggett said he hopes the town will be able to keep more current in the future so residents don't feel caught off guard.

Barwise emphasized the need for selectmen to engage with the community and to handle the process, which will include challenges and appeals, in a level-headed and even-handed manner.

Bryant and Daggett also are proud of the town's work on a proposal to allow accessory apartments.

Both see accessory apartments as a way to address affordable housing needs and help property owners afford their taxes. Bryant also sees the option as a property-rights issue. Daggett sees it as a way to help the town's younger residents stay in Kennebunkport.

Staff Writer Ann S. Kim can be contacted at 791-6383 or at:

akim@pressherald.com