Age: 52

Occupation: Resource Management Assistant

Political background: Bath City Council 2006 – 2012. Chairman of the Bath Development Corporation, Bath Economic Development and Community Development Block Grant committees, as well as the Midcoast Council of Governments, Sagadahoc County Communications Center board of directors, and the Mid Coast Business Development and Planning groups.

Times Record: Why are you running for office?

Kyle Rogers: I enjoy representing the residents of Ward 3 from Drayton Ave in the west to Commercial St. in the east. Unlike other Wards, it has a diverse mix of business and neighborhoods. It is also subject to the most political influence; which is why this seat is currently open.

TR: What are the top three issues you’ll have to deal with if elected?

KR: 1) Empty commercial spaces along Route 1, Chandler Dr., Wing Farm and downtown. It is very important that the city create an environment that business find attractive. Wing Farm is stagnant; we need to find better ways to market these properties and offer incentives.

2) The budget and TIF expenditures: Restart the process of reviewing the Manager’s TIF spending plan at the April budget meetings. TIF revenue should remain within the spending limitation as outlined in the City Charter. There is a reason the legislature passed a law to exclude the revenue from the original BIW TIF.

3) Property Taxes (RSU- 1): It looks likely that West Bath will be pulling out of RSU 1; this will more than likely mean an increase in Bath’s share of the RSU budget. I think the city needs to setup an ad hoc committee to look into the possibilities.

TR: What skills or strengths do you bring to office?

KR: Briggs Meyers says I am an ESTJ, they are conventional, factual, and grounded in reality, and the proof is in the past, what has worked and been done before. They look for rules to follow and standards to meet, and often take a leadership role in helping other people meet expectations as well.

TR: Why should voters choose you?

KR: I ask the citizens of Ward three to vote for me because they deserve someone who wasn’t handpicked by City Hall to be a “Yes” man. Throughout my tenure on the Council, I always listened to constituents and stood for what was right. I was for the closing the landfill, against Pay as you Throw (backdoor tax), against tax revenue funding for the fields for Our Future, against CMP bullying citizens into installing smart meters and others. It can be said that I always fought for the citizens, even if it wasn’t a popular position to take.

(known professionally as Peter Alexander)

Age: 64

Occupation: Non-profit Consultant, Teacher, Musician

Political background: Co-chaired Bath City Council’s Universal Internet Access Committee, Organizer of Bath’s Waterfront Summer Concert Series and Chocolate Church 3rd Friday Concerts. Served previously as President of the Board of the Maine Songwriters Association, Clerk of the Board of First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Portland, and Lead Organizer of the Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Initiative.

Times Record: Why are you running for office?

Petrer Blachly: My primary reason for running is that my neighbors asked me to. They feel that I can bring a balanced and pragmatic approach to local government. They also know that I am optimistic and idealistic but not rigidly ideological, and that I bring a positive view about the role of government.

TR: What are the top three issues you’ll have to deal with if elected?

PB: I will be a strong advocate for recreational, educational and cultural opportunities for the community’s youth. Our youth are the community’s greatest asset, something I am reminded of constantly in my role as a substitute teacher for RSU 1. I will do everything in my power to ensure fiscal responsibility, balancing the needs of residents — such as making sure our streets are free of potholes — with a sensible budget and a sustainable level of taxation. I am a strong supporter of shopping locally in Bath’s downtown business district. I support the City’s arts and cultural organizations; and I will be a proponent of sensible development, ensuring, as much as I am able, that new construction does not adversely impact the City’s character and its hard-earned reputation as one of the best “ Main Streets” in America,

TR: What skills or strengths do you bring to office?

PB: I have much experience working with people of varying viewpoints and am able to maintain a good sense of humor, even when the issues are controversial. While liberal on social issues and known for “thinking outside the box,” I am fiscally conservative and evaluate proposals from a business perspective rather than from an ideological position.

TR: Why should voters choose you?

PB: My opponent served for six years as Ward 3 Councilor before being defeated in 2012. In that time he showed himself to be “anti” almost everything that my neighbors and I care about. I respect his willingness to serve, but the choice between us is quite stark. I believe my pragmatic approach to governance will be better for Bath. I will be responsive to constituent concerns and will bring a balanced perspective to local issues while holding a strong vision for the community’s future.