ARUNDEL – Three candidates – incumbents Daniel Dubois and Philip Labbe, along with Rodney Sparkowich, are in the running for two seats on the Arundel Board of Selectmen in the June 8 election. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 257 Limerick Road.

Seeking the three-year budget board seats are incumbents Michelle Allen and Shawn Hayes, along with Michael Monk.

There is a three-year term for RSU 21 Board of Directors, but no candidates emerged in the nomination process, which closed April 9. Incumbent Devon Havey is not seeking re-election. There are also  no names on the ballot to fill openings for two, two-year terms and  two, one-year terms on the budget board.

Here are profiles on two of the three candidates for selectmen. Incumbent Philip Labbe declined.

* Dubois is a cost modeling engineer at Pratt & Whitney, is involved in local recreation, and previously coached baseball and football. He has served three terms on the board of selectmen, and a previous 9 years on the planning board.

Daniel Dubois Courtesy Photo

“Ensuring that we keep the taxes down as much as possible while ensuring that we have the adequate funding to support our local infrastructure,” is the most important immediate issue, said Dubois. “I sometimes tend to go overboard a bit when questioning line items during our joint meetings with the budget board, however, the reason behind this is to ensure a full understanding by myself and any other members or residents that are listening in. It also helps prepare for any questions that might arise during our annual town meeting.”

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Long, term, Dubois said an important issue is how the town uses the new municipal building and the land around it.

He said he is actively participating and supporting the Arundel Conservation Trust’s efforts to build various bike, walking and connecting trails behind the new building. “There is also plenty of room back there for fields, playgrounds or any other type of activity gathering,” said Dubois. “Those types of activities bring people together and help build a sense of community.”

Asked why is seeking a fourth term, Dubois said he feels it is his duty to participate, believes he has contributed greatly to the town as an elected official and wants to continue.

He  said the work experience and training he’s received in his various roles during his 42 years at Pratt & Whitney has been instrumental in how he deals with change and life and as an Arundel selectman.

He said he believes in transparency and keeping people informed and makes decisions based on research.

“We all have ideas and thoughts, sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t,” said Dubois. “Being a selectman is about listening to people, being open to new ideas, being able to really look at a difference of opinion and then combining all of those to make decisions that have the best interest of the town. ”

* Sparkowich has been a dog trainer, full- or part-time since 1977, owns a small business and served in the U.S. Marines from 1980-86 and later worked as a corrections officer. In response to questions about Arundel’s most immediate and long-term issues, and reasons he’s running, he responded with a statement.

Rodney Sparkowich Courtesy Photo

“I don’t really know that there are any huge red flags in the current Arundel town government,” said Sparkowich. “I’m seeking to get involved as a citizen legislator who is very conservative and believes wholeheartedly in the Bill of Rights. I am very pro-law enforcement and decry the hue and cry of defunding the police. My faith in Jesus Christ helps shape my morals and ethics.”

“I’m not interested in winning a popularity contest but can be a voice of reason in a world quickly losing the anchor of sanity,” Sparkowich said. “I am active on my personal Facebook page, Rodney Ernest Kimball Sparkowich, and anyone can be certain to get a strong sense of who I am and what I believe there. My grandfather, Ernest L. Kimball, and his two brothers are listed on the World War I Memorial next door to the Kennebunk Savings Bank downtown. My mom and dad are both veterans, as are my brother and my son.”

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