Gina Sawyer 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 was born in Camden, and lived in Camden and Lincolnville all my life and went to school at Camden-Rockport. I later completed a Bachelor of Science in outdoor recreation from Unity College and an Associate of Science in medical assisting from Kennebec Valley Community College. I am registered as Independent. I enjoy bird watching, hiking, reading, learning, boating and swimming. I am currently turning my carpentry business over to my partner, and I am employed at Quarry Hill in Camden. I was on the Parks and Recreation Committee when I lived in Belfast and on the Lakes and Ponds Committee a few years ago here in Lincolnville.

Why are you running?


I am running because I want to learn more about my community and the local government. I want to donate some of my time to community service.

What are the most pressing issues facing Lincolnville right now?

I think that the every day things are the most important.

What is your opinion on solar power?

I am in favor of solar energy. I am in favor of hydropower. I'm in favor of wind power. I am in favor of oil and propane. I think it's important to use different forms of energy and not just one.

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

I quote Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corporation Manager Jim Guerra: "That mission remains today: to provide comprehensive long-term solid waste solutions in a safe, environmentally responsible, economically sound manner, and be a leader in raising public awareness of sustainable waste management strategies.”

Please plan to attend the Lincolnville Select Board’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. for more on this issue.

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

I think it would be good to see what information the Collins Engineers and MRLD Landscape Architecture & Urbanism (the town's consultant) has for input and take it from there.

What is your opinion on the school budget?

We have the Lincolnville Central School & Five Town Community School District school committees to oversee the school budget. I do intend to go to a few meetings on occasion to stay in touch with issues they have.

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

Generally, just support the Community. The library is a great start. I attended a history on cemeteries at the library put on by Diane O'Brien. I learned that the population in Lincolnville is the most it's been in almost 160-170 years!

What is needed to make the Route 1 rebuild a good thing for Lincolnville?

Namely, we need traffic to slow down along the Ducktrap area and Lincolnville Beach area for safety reasons. The Route One Advisory Committee is a good resource for upcoming issues.

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?

As I said, I think the Route One Advisory Committee will prove invaluable when the time comes.

How would you define "good town government?

One that listens to its people. A good selectman, I believe is someone who is ready to learn how things work. From the town laws to solar panel installation to road construction and budgets. I think a good selectman is someone that doesn't mind swimming up stream. Also, the other half of "good town government" are its people. The citizens of a town need to keep up with the issues the selectmen are dealing with and keep educated on matters. It takes energy, but being informed is valuable when it comes to communicating with each other and to vote. There are many areas currently I need to educate myself on, but I am doing the work daily, so I can make informed decisions.

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

Let's pray for Dave Kinney's continuing recovery. I wish him the best.