ROCKPORT — With the future of the Rockport Public Library remaining a hot topic in town, four candidates have stepped forward to run for two open seats on the Library Committee. And, there are now three candidates running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board.

Friday, April 24, was the last day for candidates to get their papers back to the town office with the requisite number of signatures. On Monday, April 27, Town Clerk Linda Greenlaw reported to Town Manager Rick Bates and the sitting Select Board the following list of candidates.

Two seats opened on the Select Board currently filled by Charlton Ames and Ken McKinley. Ames is not running again, but McKinley is seeking reelection to his position. Also running for Select Board are Owen Casas and John Viehman. 

The three candidates will vie for two three-year terms.

The Library Committee has two open seats with four candidates. They include incumbent Stephanie Lash, along with Emily Lusher, Sarah Shepherd and Eliza Haselton.

Current Library Committee Chairman Kathleen Meil said April 27 that she will not sit again on that committee; instead, she is turning attention to Augusta and is preparing to run for the Maine Legislature in 2015. She will pursue the Legislature as a Democrat candidate, following the departure of current Rep. Joan Welsh, D-Rockport, who will be term-limited after eight years of representing Camden, Rockport and Islesboro.

In a news release issued April 27, she said:

"Rockport residents care deeply about education and community, and the Library is a place where those strongly held values overlap. In my four years on the Library Committee, we’ve grappled with our town's identity, with how to preserve our rich history while nurturing future growth.

“The ongoing community discussion about the Library has led to two concurrent studies: a review of the library’s programs to identify necessary program spaces and describe the scale and rationale for those spaces, in tandem with an assessment of the existing building and infrastructure. Both reports will be completed this summer.”

She said the discussions about the library’s future have, at times, been challenging, and she has “seen the value of calm, positive leadership.”

“Conversations about education, innovation, and growth are very emotional,” said Meil. “It’s tough work – and it’s work that communities across our state are also engaged in. I'm eager to be a part of finding solutions for all of us."

School Administrative District 28 and Five Town CSD school board member Marcia Dietrich is seeking reelection to the seat she has filled for many years for another three-year term.

No one else took out papers for that position.

 The Budget Committee is likewise producing a variety of candidates to fill three open seats: Elizabeth Saltonstall, Peter Johnson and Helen Shaw have returned papers. 

Elections will take place June 9, with annual Town Meeting scheduled for June 10.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657