There are two contested races in Windham this fall: one for a three-year Town Council seat and the other for two open spots on the school board.

In the council race, political newcomer Patrick Corey is challenging incumbent Thomas Gleason, who is serving his first year on the council.

Corey said he pays a lot of attention to politics in town and believes the council could be more productive.

He said the greatest challenge facing Windham is the rapid growth of its residential population. To balance the growing demand on town services, he said, he would implement impact fees and encourage development that requires less infrastructure.

A self-employed creative director, Corey said he helps businesses and nonprofit organizations with marketing and would use that experience to work with businesses in town.

Gleason said it’s important to maintain the town’s population and also make sure residents can get good-paying jobs in Windham. He’d like to focus on developing the Route 302 corridor, so there are more businesses and more people living in walking distance of them.

The rural part of town needs to stay rural, he said.

Gleason believes he brings an even-minded attitude to the council and would like the chance “to finish what we started,” he said.

Three candidates, including one incumbent, are vying for two vacancies on the Regional School Unit 14 Board of Directors.

Kate Brix, who has been on the board for nine years, said her experience is “invaluable,” especially considering the financial challenges and the tough decisions facing the board.

Brix, a stay-at-home mother of three, said the board needs to work toward more efficient use of the district’s buildings. Some are overcrowded and some are far under capacity, she said.

Bethany-Ann Davis said the district’s recent consideration of closing some of its schools drew her into town politics. Now, she wants a say on the board.

Davis, who has three children in the school system and works at TD Bank, said she’s good at listening and considering issues from all angles.

Dawn Perkins, also a mother of three, believes her business background and her “strong work ethic” would make her an asset to the board.

She believes the board needs to come up with creative solutions to answer the district’s budgeting challenges while maintaining the quality of education. 

Staff Writer Leslie Bridgers can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

lbridgers@pressherald.com