Our candidate's forum will be held at Freeport Community Library on Monday, October 6th from 6:00 until about 8:15pm, based on our current timeline.
First, a few important notes about format and ground rules:
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Jim DeGrandpre will moderate this forum, which will consist of questions to candidates, which you will each have 2 minutes to respond to. There will be no debate, crosstalk, or responses to other candidates' responses allowed. Audience members will not have an opportunity to ask questions of candidates. Our questions include topics that were submitted as potential questions by the public.
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Candidates may bring materials about themselves and their contact information to the event, but active campaigning at the event is prohibited. Each candidate will be given 1 minute to introduce themselves and will be given equal time to respond to questions.
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Those of you who have indicated that you cannot attend this event may submit written responses to your questions, which would be no longer than two minutes read aloud. Jim will read your written responses, along with other candidates' verbal responses, so everyone has the opportunity to respond. You may also include a 1-minute written introduction of yourself.
A rough timeline of the event:
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Welcome and intro, 6:00 - 6:05pm
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RSU5 School Committee candidate introductions and questions, 6:10 - 7:05pm
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10-minute break, 7:05 - 7:15pm
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Town Council candidate introductions and questions, 7:15 - 7:40pm
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5-minute break, 7:40
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Water and Sewer District candidate introductions and questions, 7:45 - 8:05pm
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Thanks and wrap-up, 8:05-8:15
And
finally, the questions you will be asked. You are allowed a 2-minute
response for each question pertaining to the seat you are running for:
RSU5 School Committee:
- In thecoming year, what should be the top priority addressed by the RSU5 school committee? Looking farther ahead, what should be priorities in the next three years?
- What are your thoughts on the role that transparency and community involvement should play in school committee discussions and decision-making?
- What is your stance on the role that input from parents should play in the curriculum development process in RSU5?
- What role should the school committee play in supporting student mental health and well-being?
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In managing the school district’s budget, how can the school committee balance an increasing tax burden with the need to maintain high-quality education for the children in our community?
Freeport Town Council:
- What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Freeport today, and how would you address it?
- How do you plan to balance growth and development, in keeping with the recently adopted comprehensive plan and downtown vision, while preserving Freeport’s rural character?
- What is your approach to fiscal responsibility and managing the town’s budget?
- What role should the Town Council play in addressing climate resilience and sustainability?
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What is your position on current and potential affordable housing initiatives in Freeport?
Freeport Water District:
- What are your priorities for maintaining and improving Freeport’s water infrastructure?
- How will you ensure water quality and safety for all residents?
- What role should the Water District play in planning for climate change and drought resilience?
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What is your approach to managing rates and keeping water services affordable?
Freeport Sewer District:
- How will you ensure the $20 million wastewater upgrade is completed on time and within budget?
- What steps will you take to protect the Harraseeket River and other water resources?
- What is your plan for addressing future population growth and its impact on wastewater infrastructure?
- How will you balance affordability for ratepayers with necessary infrastructure investments?
If you are providing written responses, please email those to me.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or give me a call!
Best,
Wynter
Wynter Giddings
Library Director
Freeport Community Library
(207) 865-3307 ext.407
freeportlibrary.com
