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Several candidates are running for open positions in Belfast in the upcoming November election, including a challenger and incumbent in the mayor’s race, according to papers filed this week with the city clerk.
Two seats on the City Council are up for election, including one representing Ward 3 that will likely be filled by a newcomer as Councilor Brenda Bonneville isn’t seeking reelection to a fourth term. Council and mayoral terms each last two years in the midcoast city.
Mayor
Incumbent Mayor Eric Sanders is seeking a fourth term in office, after he was first elected in 2019. Sanders recently retired from a 26-year career at what’s now Bank of America.
In Belfast, the mayor primarily serves as the moderator of City Council meetings. They do not vote on council matters except in cases when a tie-breaking vote is needed.
His challenger is Adam Blodgett, a central Maine native and first-time candidate for public office who manages a call center for a pet insurance company and runs a small business watching neighborhood dogs out of his home. His main concerns surround affordable housing, increased job opportunities and giving the public a voice.
“As mayor, I hope to foster an environment where everyone feels safe voicing their concerns, where they feel heard and respected,” Blodgett said in an email. “The best part about this decision so far has been deepening my connection to the Belfast community.”
City Council Ward 3
The only candidate who has taken out papers to replace Bonneville as the Ward 3 councilor is Daniel Miller, who owns and runs Belmont Boatworks in Belmont.
Miller recently spent more than a decade on the city’s harbor committee, including eight years as its chair. He was also previously a Planning Board member in the town of Liberty. He lives on the outskirts of Belfast with his family and has never previously run for an elected city position.
“The things I hope I can do are listen to people and relay their concerns and be able to report to people what’s going on,” Miller said. “I really enjoy the connection of the council; it’s where I go [for] answers to things that I see all the time.”
City Council Ward 4
Councilor Chris Bitely is running unopposed for reelection to the Ward 4 seat. He holds roles on two city committees: climate, energy and utilities, and housing and property development.
Regional School Unit 71 Board of Directors
Three candidates are running for two available positions on the board. They include incumbent Martha Proulx, as well as Alva Philbrook and Rachel Philbrook. Each term lasts three years.
