New faces elected to Poland board/recalled selectmen lose bid to retake seats

POLAND — Three new members were elected to the Poland Board of Selectmen during a special election Monday.

Walter Gallagher, Janice Kimball and Stan Tetenman replace three board members recalled in a January vote.

A recall committee that organized the ballot accused former board members Wendy Sanborn, Larry Moreau and Jim Fernald of violating the town's charter when they voted to fire former Town Manager Rosemary Kulow in October.

The ousted board members maintain Kulow's termination was permitted under the terms of her employment contract.

Gallagher received 316 votes, beating Sandra Knowles' 265 votes, for a one-month seat to finish Sanborn's term.

A customer service manager for Penmor Lithographers in Lewiston, Gallagher has been on the town's budget committee for three years.

During a candidates' forum February 28, Gallagher said economic development in the town was one of his top priorities.

Two two-year seats were won by Kimball, with 364 votes and Tetenman, with 310 votes.

Moreau and Fernald were unable to gather the votes necessary to reclaim their seats, winning 186 and 185 votes, respectively.

A third candidate, Michelle Arsenault, who was active in the campaign to oust the three selectboard members received 98 votes.

During the candidates' forum Kimball said she could bring civility, good financial sense and solid communication skills to town government.

She also said a town manager search should include a full hiring process including a formal job description, search committee and citizen input.

Kimball was raised in Poland and is a benefits manager for the city of Portland, where, she said at the forum, she manages a $15 million line-item on the city budget.

Tetenman, a retired pharmacist, former member of the town's comprehensive plan committee and current budget committee member, was also a member of the recall committee.

During the recall campaign, he criticized board members for immediately hiring current Town Manager Rosemary Roy after Kulow's termination without searching for the most qualified applicant.

At the forum, Tetenman affirmed his position, saying his run for office was motivated by the actions of the recalled selectmen and the board should find the most qualified town manager it could.

Photo: Peter L. McGuire

ONE-MONTH SEAT — Walter Gallagher answers a citizen's question during a candidates' forum held February 28. On Monday, Gallagher was elected to the Poland Board of Selectmen for a one-month seat, defeating his contender, Sandra Knowles, pictured on left.

Photo: Peter L. McGuire

ELECTION WINNERS — Stan Tetenman, left, responds to a citizen's question during a candidates' forum on February 28. Tetenman and Janice Kimball, center, were elected to two-year seats on the Poland Board of Selectmen in a special election Monday. Larry Moreau, left, Jim Fernald and Michelle Arsenault also ran in the election.