- Three candidates are running for a single Selectboard seat in York, Maine.
- The candidates discussed issues such as affordable housing, rising taxes, cell service, and short-term rentals.
- They also addressed the potential repurposing of the former courthouse, Cliff Walk repairs, and the proposed community center.
- The election will be held on May 17.
YORK, Maine — Three candidates vying for one Selectboard seat squared off Friday during a candidates' forum, where they addressed affordable housing, rising property taxes and other issues facing the town.
Retired engineer Wayne Martin, York County Shelter Programs Executive Director Megan Gean-Gendron and longtime former town clerk Mary-Anne Szeniawski are vying for the seat currently occupied by Mike Estes at the May 17 election. Estes has decided not to seek another term after serving on the board for the last 15 years.
All three candidates answered questions in the forum moderated by the York Weekly.
Selectboard candidates talk housing and taxes
On housing and rising taxes, candidates shared their vision for how they would work to help keep longtime residents in their homes.
Gean-Gendron shared that her aging parents live with her family in York, and her work involves helping individuals find housing during challenging times. She noted that friends have been forced to leave town due to the high cost of living.
Emphasizing the importance of accommodating all levels of housing, she highlighted the need for growth and inclusivity to prevent people from being shut out of the community.
“When I talk about affordable housing, it’s this whole continuum of housing,” Gean-Gendron said. “We need to pay attention to keep seniors in their homes.”
Martin described himself as fiscally responsible in determining what are “wants” versus “needs.” In addition to having a watchful eye, he said it is important to make sure the town encourages tourism, considered a big revenue generator for York. He said additional funds can be raised using parking kiosks powered by cell service in the harbor or implementing tourist taxes.
“It’s a way to bring money to the town and help with expenses,” Martin said. “Those are things we can work on to help people.”
Szeniawski emphasized the role of the Budget Committee in finalizing town spending and said it's important to maintain open communication with the committee to ensure reasonable expenditures. She said she knows from experience how difficult it can be to live in York, having had her mother and her in-laws live with her as they aged.
“I'm aware of their needs,” Szeniawski said.
Candidates were asked about the possibility of repurposing the former York district courthouse for affordable housing.
Selectboard members are currently assessing its feasibility, given the property’s lack of water and sewer connections. The state has offered to transfer the courthouse to the town for $1 as part of an initiative to promote affordable housing.
“For the courthouse, it makes sense that we got it for a dollar,” Martin said. “Try to take advantage of it— it’s a free building.”
Szeniawski said she would need to “get the facts” on the courthouse but is open to the idea. She also noted that the York School Department is looking at vacating Village Elementary School as a consolidation move and said that the building could be used for future housing.
“I would like to know what the need is specifically for this community,” Szeniawski said, “And how we could find affordable housing and workforce housing.”
Candidates weigh in on cell towers, short-term rentals
All three candidates expressed unanimous support for expanding cell towers in York to end dead zones in town.
A citizens' petition on the May ballot would expand where cell towers can be located as well as increase the allowable height for a tower from 120 feet to 199 feet.
Szeniawski highlighted the challenges of poor cell service, sharing that she’s unable to make calls from her house to her son’s nearby home. She said that reliable service is essential, especially for those working from home.
Martin voiced his approval, describing the issue as a “problem each day” and noting that improved cell service would also benefit tourists who have no other phone option.
Gean-Gendron said she supported expanding cell service, noting at home she relies on Wi-Fi to make calls.
“I think it’s a grand idea and a long time coming,” Szeniawski said.
The candidates were also asked whether they support regulating short-term rentals in town. Voters rejected approving a short-term rental ordinance last year, and a Selectboard-appointed committee is looking at whether the town should try again at the ballot booth.
Gean-Gendron and Martin expressed support for regulations as long as they preserve the industry for local families that rely on the rentals for income.
Szeniawski shared her openness to listening to the committee’s findings but noted voters rejected implementing regulations.
“I have the opinion of, we did vote on it,” Szeniawski said. “The current board did choose to put a committee together to gather some more facts. I’m encouraged that is happening right now, and I will wait to hear their facts.”
Where do candidates stand on Cliff Walk, new community center?
In the speed round, candidates unanimously supported the town's proposed $31.6 million budget, reflecting a 5.5% increase over the current year. However, opinions varied on whether the town should allocate up to $1 million for repairs to the historic Cliff Walk, which has been severely damaged by storms.
Gean-Gendron expressed a desire to see the Cliff Walk restored to its former condition. Szeniawski voiced strong support for the repairs, even at the $1 million cost, comparing the importance of the Cliff Walk to the town’s stewardship of Steedman Woods near Wiggly Bridge.
Martin said he was open to fixing the accessible parts but noted much of the walk is broken up by sections that have been washed away by storms.
He suggested keeping costs below $1 million and for the town to seek FEMA funding.
On the town’s carry-in-carry-out policy at the beach and the proposal to spend $100,000 on trash service near Short Sands Beach, candidates offered differing perspectives.
Martin strongly supported the carry-in-carry-out policy, stating he has never needed a trash can at the beach. Gean-Gendron backed the idea of the town funding trash removal, citing worsening litter issues at the beach. Szeniawski said she would consult with public works officials noting “there’s room for discussion.”
Candidates were asked if they supported the construction of a community center that was recently priced at $39 million, depending on which features the town would choose to include.
Gean-Gendron said she wanted to see a multi-generational facility for all age groups to enjoy. She said she coached basketball and found it difficult to find court time, forcing teams to go out of town to play and practice.
Szeniawski said she would need to know how the building construction is financed before saying if she supported it. Martin said he was reluctant because the $39 million price tag would double the town’s debt and could cost more because of tariffs that may be imposed by the federal government.
“There’s a lot of questions that haven’t been answered yet,” Martin said.
