After serving a term in the late 1990s, Ronald D. Ahlquist decided to run again last year for a one-year term to play “pinch-hitter” on the council. When another one-year term opened up again this year, he decided to do the same.

“I think it’s very unfair for a brand new person to run for a one-year seat,” Ahlquist said. From his experience, it takes six months to a year “to figure out what’s going on” and “get warmed up” to being on the council.

His opponent is write-in candidate Art Dillon.

This year, Ahlquist said, he believes the most important task of the council will be to hire a new town manager – one he hopes would be much like the current one.

Ahlquist said Town Manager Ron Owens’ strong points are communicating well with the people of Scarborough and coming up with solutions to problems that aren’t quite as obvious – abilities he would like to see in the new manager.

Regarding the development of a town center with a racino at Scarborough Downs, Ahlquist said he hopes the citizens, who will ultimately have to decide whether to approve the project, will look at the entire plan.

Ahlquist said he does not consider himself “a casino person,” but he said the plans he saw for the town center look “absolutely awesome.”

Though it is up to the voters to decide whether they would like a new park on Black Point Road, he said he thinks the one that has been planned is well done.

During his time on the council, Ahlquist said, he is proud of his work in bringing a circuit- breaker program to town, giving tax relief to seniors. A member of the finance committee, Ahlquist thinks the council did a good job of keeping the budget to a minimum.

Ahlquist, 53, recently retired after working for 27 years at the Maine State Employees Association. He has two grown children and lives with his wife, Sandra.

Ahlquist thinks candidates who come in with an agenda will not be an asset to the council.

“I bring an element of common sense,” he said.

Scarborough Town Council – Ahlquist: Experience mixed with common sense