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The five candidates running for two seats on the Gray Town Council pitched themselves to voters on Tuesday, May 19, speaking about a wide range of issues, including data centers, the town’s comprehensive plan and the canceled sheriff’s contract.

The candidates included Pam Edson, who described herself as a lifelong resident with deep family roots in the town and a “hometown girl;” Judy Simoneau, a business owner concerned by the effect forthcoming construction downtown would have on local traffic; Ashley Zimmerman, a relative newcomer to the town concerned about the cutting of the contract with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; Lindamarie Jaramillo, a former social worker with town government experience in Bridgton, as well as Española, New Mexico; and David Hall, a retired Navy veteran who ran for Town Council last year, and called for “thoughtful and strategic” spending.

All five candidates expressed concern at the potential for data centers in Gray. Zimmerman said he did not believe the amount of economic development and jobs a data center would bring warranted the amount of disruption created from the noise and environmental pollution emanating from the center, as well as the resource- and energy-intensive nature of the structure. Simoneau and Edson noted the limited room in town for economic development, and Hall said the town needed to address its ordinances to ensure no data center would be built.

Another major topic of discussion was the recent decision by the Town Council to end Gray’s current contract with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, which provided dedicated coverage from three deputies, in favor of splitting a deputy between Gray and surrounding towns. Zimmerman criticized the council for removing a major service, which the town voted to expand last year, in a non-transparent manner, and said Gray would be the largest town in the county without dedicated coverage. Simoneau said the previous contract was not fit for Gray, as the town was paying for deputies that could be called to other towns. She proposed an ad hoc committee to look at alternative forms of coverage, such as one in which neighboring towns pay for service.

There was also the question of what the council could do to increase transparency and accessibility in the wake of the town paying for a fire truck with money it didn’t have. Edson argued the difficulty in obtaining information on the fire truck underscored the need for transparency, and criticized the last two town managers for lack of “presence” in the town. Zimmerman, whose wife works at the town office as an administrative assistant, acknowledged he may need to recuse himself from some votes, while Hall said he was committed to being accessible and responsive to residents, and wanted them to feel comfortable reaching out to him with concerns.

“I believe transparency is not just a choice,” said Hall. “It is the responsibility of every Town Council member.”

Candidates were also asked how they would address the issue of affordable housing. Simoneau said there were too many restrictions and regulations around building houses, making it difficult to build affordable housing, but said she was not in favor of low-income housing, citing issues in Lewiston. Jaramillo said she had the opportunity to sit down with residents and talk about their concerns, with many seniors wanting to get out of their current homes, but stay in Gray. Zimmerman said the primary driver of the affordability crisis was demand outpacing supply, and the town needed to find a balance between preserving the town’s rural character while accommodating growth.

Residents of Gray will vote in the Town Council election on June 9. Voting will take place at Newbegin Gym at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex. Absentee ballots are available until June 4, and early voting is open now.