Josh Gerritsen is seeking the open one-year term, November 2016 to June 2017, on the Lincolnville Board of Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor. The seat became available before it expired, due to the resignation of selectman and secretary Cathy Hardy, whose term was to expire June 2017.

What is your background, personal bio information?

I grew up in Midcoast Maine and left to pursue a career elsewhere, like most young people do. I am a graduate of Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and a minor in government. After a decade away from Maine, I realized Lincolnville was where I wanted to settle down. I came back and started a farm called Donkey Universe Farm. In addition to farming, I am a filmmaker and photographer.

I became active in the political process quickly, becoming a member of county and state committees. I currently serve on the Lakes and Ponds Committee in Lincolnville and have been proud of the work we have accomplished together.

Why are you running?

I am running for the Board of Selectmen to bring a fresh voice to the board that is sorely needed. I want to serve the people of Lincolnville and give a different perspective to help solve the challenges that we face now and in the future.

What are the most pressing issues facing Lincolnville right now?

Like many communities in Maine, Lincolnville faces the issue of an aging population and young people that leave the area in search of better job prospects. We also have to be vigilant about protecting our lakes and ponds from invasive species and nutrient runoff that can lead to algae blooms. Climate change will only make these issues more challenging.

Are there any issues that have been brought up to you by the citizenry that you plan to address?

A number of citizens are concerned about the recent discovery of a raccoon in Lincolnville with rabies. Please be sure to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date and report any wild animals acting strangely. We also need to be aware of the rise of anaplasmosis, a tick-borne bacterial illness with very negative symptoms. My dog was infected by it earlier this year and was luckily caught by the vet in a routine blood test.

What is your opinion on solar power?

I am a huge advocate for solar power on every level: for homeowners, municipalities and utilities. I have enough solar panels on my property to power my home, electric car and farm. Any way you look at it, an investment in solar energy will save you substantial money over the long term. On Oct. 11, the citizens of Lincolnville unanimously agreed to sign a power purchase agreement with ReVision Energy to power 90 percent of our municipal buildings. This is one of Lincolnville's proudest moments, and shows our community is forward thinking and looking toward innovative solutions to save money as well as reduce our carbon footprint.

The proposed changes by the Public Utilities Commission to Net Energy Billing are disastrous and would be a huge setback for the solar industry in Maine, as well as homeowners trying to save money. I'm going to fight the PUC tooth and nail to ensure they don't make these changes.

What is your opinion on how Lincolnville should handle its trash?

I supported MRC/Fiberight back in June and frankly found it shocking that the Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corp. board did not give the citizens an opportunity to vote for them. When voters in three out of the four towns you represent say no to your option, they should be given the chance to vote for the other choice.

Regardless, the MCSWC board has put forth a compromise to sign a contract with ecomaine for three-to-five years in a divided decision. I support this proposal because it's important our four towns stay united and that we move past this fight to work together on making the transfer station even better. If Fiberight is up and running as promised at the end of our three-to-five-year contract, we could join their facility (if there is room) and be part of a more sustainable and affordable solid waste solution. That alone is a great reason to support this contract.

There is a lot of work to be done to get more people thinking about reduce, reuse and recycle. We have an unprecedented level of excitement in our community about this issue and we need to harness that energy now. I know that the MCSWC board has a lot of exciting ideas in the works and I can't wait to work with them on bringing them to fruition.

What is needed to maintain and support a vibrant and active harbor, beach area?

Our beach and harbor area faces many challenges. Fishermen need a pier that is properly maintained and a harbor that offers more protection. When there is a major storm, they need to flee to safer harbors. I would like to look at the possibilities of protecting our harbor more without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. Everyone who uses the pier should pay their fair share while maintaining public access. And a more bicycle friendly Route 1 could attract more business and tourism to Lincolnville Beach. I eagerly await the report from Collins Engineers and MRLD Landscape Architecture + Urbanism about our waterfront. No doubt they will have many innovative ideas for us to consider.

What is your opinion of the school budget?

I was pleased to see an allocation decrease of 2.48 percent for Lincolnville and I fully support the major capital projects planned for the high school. We need to invest in our children's education in our community to keep our standards high. Lincolnville Central School is one of the big reasons young families move to our town and we have to ensure that continues for years to come.

What would you do to help the ongoing re-energizing of Lincolnville Center?

I am very excited about the Lincolnville General store renovation and what that will mean for Lincolnville Center. I will assist the owners of the general store in any way I can to help them thrive. Their success will draw more potential businesses to Lincolnville Center and give the area the boost it needs to put it back on the map.

What is needed to make the Route 1 rebuild a good thing for Lincolnville? How do you think the pending reconstruction of Route 1 north in Camden will affect Lincolnville's Route 1 reconstruction, if and when that happens?

It is imperative that the widening of Route 1 does not detract from the scenic beauty of our community while still making the road safer and more accessible for cyclists. An increase in bicycle traffic into Lincolnville Beach will only help our economy, not to mention give our citizens another option for commuting without the fear of riding too close to vehicular traffic. I'm glad the reconstruction of Route 1 starts in Camden, because we get to learn from any issues they have and make sure they aren't repeated when it's our turn.

How would you define "good town government?"

Good town government is listening to your citizens, being responsible with the budget, and coming up with innovative ideas to save the taxpayers money and make their lives better.

Is there any other topic or issue you would like to talk about? Have at it!

I want to be your selectman to serve you and the community we all love. I will work my heart out for Lincolnville, listening to all sides carefully and making decisions thoughtfully with the good of our town in mind. I would love to hear from you and your concerns about the future of Lincolnville. Please reach out to me at josh.gerritsen@gmail.com anytime.