BREAKING NEWS: Much interest for Bar Harbor council seats as 5 pull nomination papers

BAR HARBOR, May 8, 2023 - Unlike last year, it doesn’t look like there will be a dearth of candidates for the Town Council in June.

Less than a week since application forms were made available, five residents have “pulled papers,” showing an intent to seek office.

They are:

• Val Peacock, council chair, who is up for re-election.

• Kyle Shank, chair of the Comprehensive Plan Task Force. His experience as task force chair should position him to replace Peacock as a qualified parliamentarian.

• Maya Caines, former community affairs coordinator who lost her position shortly after Town Manager Kevin Sutherland was forced out.

• Resident Julia Cuchelo.

• Resident Brooke Bloomquist.

Most of the candidates are under 35, so affordable housing is likely to be a priority.

Three of the current members, including Peacock, face re-election if they choose to run again for their three-year terms. The others are Jill Goldthwait and Erin Cough.

The resignation of council member Jeff Dobbs will open a fourth, two-year term. The council is expected to name a replacement for Dobbs to fill his position until June.

Last year Matt Hochman and Dobbs ran unopposed for re-election.