STANDISH — A political newcomer unseated an incumbent at the polls Tuesday for a three-year At-large seat on the Town Council.
Sarah Gaba defeated incumbent Greg Sirpis 312-241.
Meanwhile, incumbent Gregory LeClerc retained his two-year Area 1 seat, defeating challenger Patricia Frechette 300-248.
“I’m really touched that the people of Standish came out and essentially hired me to do this. It’s really meaningful that folks have that kind of faith in me,” Gaba said.
While she does not have any previous experience in town office, she worked for the city of Portland for 10 years in the social services division.
Gaba said she looks forward to “continuing to hear the concerns of people in Standish and really bringing them forward to try to support their hopes and what they want to see in town. I’m just really grateful for the folks that came out yesterday and for all the support I’ve received.”
Sirpis said that “although the election didn’t go my way, I truly appreciate your support over the last three years. I am honored that I got to serve you.”
He said he is interested in staying involved in town and may run again in the future.
LeClerc said he has really enjoyed campaigning and reaching out to his neighbors.
“Instead of me thinking I know all the answers, it’s been nice to actually interact with the people that live around town and learn what’s on their minds,” he said.
He would like to focus on the town’s economic strength while on the council: “I’d like to see Standish in terms of its economic potential be sort of unleashed. There’s so much red tape. It’s about time we changed that. I’m trying to cut that red tape and allow businesses to start up so people can not just live here but also work here in town.”
About 7.8% of registered voters in Standish voted on Tuesday, and Frechette said that with a number that low, “We have a real problem with apathy.”
She is unsure whether she will run for the council again in the future but said she just submitted an application to the Planning Board, where she has served in the past.
Meanwhile, incumbent Mike Delcourt retained a three-year Area 3 seat on the Town Council with 415 votes, and Joseph Paul won the balance of an Area 2 seat with 415 votes.
Incumbent Charles Brown won a three-year Area 4 seat on the Planning Board with 403 votes. Incumbent Deb Boxer won a three-year At-large seat on the board with 402 votes.
Erika Creutz won a three-year At-large seat on the SAD 6 school board with 442 votes.
SAD 6’s $49.8 million budget passed 392-167.
All five ballot questions regarding bond items also passed.
Jane Vaughan can be reached at 780-9103 or at jvaughan@keepmecurrent.com.
A Standish resident casts his vote on Tuesday.
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