Frank L. “Linc” Sample III, Boothbay Harbor candidate for selectman

Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:30pm

Occupation: Semi retired building contractor 

Education: Graduate of BRHS Class of 1978; Five years active service in U.S. Navy Seabees 

Political History (Board, Committees): St. Andrews Hospital Advisory Board, Boothbay Harbor Sign Ordinance Committee, Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen 2008 thru 2011, Candidate for Maine State Representative 2010. 

Clubs/Organizations: Member and officer of both Seaside Masonic Lodge #144 and Bayview Masonic #196, Past Worshipful of both.  Current president of 10th Masonic District Benevolent Association. Member Board of Directors Boothbay Region Fish and Game. 

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues?

Some people may expect platitudes and catchphrases like “affordable housing and working waterfront” to be here. Those are important issues to be sure, but they are nothing I would have control over considering the position I am running for. The selectmen can and should make sure that they do everything within the board’s authority to assure that town codes and ordinances are such that we can facilitate those things by private investors. 

The office of selectman has become thought of by some as more of a legislator such as a city councilor, when the position is that of an overseer and adjudicator and has no power outside of the meeting room. Selectmen have no direct authority over department heads or town employees. They supervise the operation of the town through the Town Manager, most importantly the budget process. They appoint appendant boards such as the planning and appeals board to manage codes and ordinances. They also should be a conduit for residents and taxpayers to the rest of municipal government and act as an ambassador for the town. 

The latest major issue facing all communities here on the peninsula is of course the school infrastructure. Regardless of the outcome of the referendum vote the school board and the trustees must require the superintendent to make the budget more transparent and the accounting clearer.  The select board can and should encourage this in any way they can. 

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office?

What I can and will bring to the office of selectman is the same effort and determination that I do everything else in my life as well as the experience and perspective of a native-born resident. It is of importance to have a balance on all boards in town, bringing the ideas and knowledge of residents who have moved here with those of us that were born here and stayed to make a living and raise our families here.  

Private property rights are a hallmark of our republic, and I will do everything I can to preserve those rights in the community.  Ordinances of the town should protect the ability of taxpayers to do as they will with their homes with minimal impact to their neighbors. 

I am happy to talk about those issues I mentioned and how I feel about them but expressing that in 350 words or less is impossible. If someone is interested in further discussion, I can be contacted at linc4selectman@gmail.com 

 I would like to remind anyone who may support my campaign that I will appear on the ballot as Frank L. Sample III