On Nov. 3, voters in Old Orchard Beach will elect two town councilors to two-year terms. Former councilor William “Bill” Danton is challenging incumbents Sharri MacDonald and Shawn O’Neill for a seat. MacDonald, current council chairman, did not return a candidate survey.

William M. Danton        
Age: 56
Address: 209 East Grand Ave.
Phone number: 450-8846
Occupation: Self-employed
Family: Wife, Anastasia Danton; three sons, Nicholas W. Danton, James John V. Danton and Peter Thomas Danton
Education: Graduated University of Maine
Previous political experience: Two terms on town council, 1978 and 1989
Why are you running for office? I believe the town should be perceived in a much better light.
What are the top three issues facing Old Orchard Beach and how will you address them? 1. We need to grow the business base into more than just a seasonal recreational enterprise. There is no reason why OOB cannot be a vibrant year-round community the same as many other surrounding towns. This would become my number one priority. 2. We must live within our means and diligently fight any new taxes, fees or fines. During tough economic times, families learn to adjust to downturns and the town ought to be no different. I will resolutely contest any new spending measures. 3. The town council needs to establish ground rules to prohibit detrimental behavior and provide the proper decorum. The council should be working together as a team rather than adversaries in order to set the agenda in moving the town forward.

Shawn Edward O’Neill        Age: 45
Address: 1 Oakcrest Drive
Phone number: 205-3054
Occupation: Supervisor customer service, United States Postal Service
Family: Parents Edward and Jacqueline O’Neill of Seaview Avenue
Education: Attended Southern Maine Technical College and the apprentice electrician program at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Previous political experience: Proudly completed 12th year on the Old Orchard Beach Town Council
Why are you running for office? To maintain fiscal responsibility and accountability to the citizens of Old Orchard Beach.
What are the top three issues facing Old Orchard Beach and how will you address them? I see the top three issues being infrastructure needs, including the building of a new police station, growing the non-resident tax base, and lastly, the Council’s relationship with staff.
I have and will continue to listen to the citizens when they come before council explaining the need for infrastructure repairs and or upgrades in their neighborhoods. I, as your councilor, have lobbied for you through the budget process to address many of the concerns expressed. We have made significant progress in addressing many areas of concern, yet I fully recognize the need for a strong voice as we have much more we can do. This past year was the first time we incurred debt by bonding several large projects. I have been steadfast in paying down the town’s debt, but when the time and the need are right, I will be the one to represent you.
There has been much talk about the bond for the new police station. The most important thing I can do for you as your councilor is share the facts. The fact is, without question we need a new police station. However, it is stated that it will be paid for by non-tax dollars. That is not true. The rescue billing fund generates revenue just like our parking meters. Therefore, the revenue belongs to the taxpayers. The building design has been presented to the public as that is what will be built. This is not true. In discussions with the council chairman, I learned that if the bond passes a committee will be formed to determine the needs of a new building and that is what will be built. The fact that only one workshop with little public input is an insult to the citizens.  Again folks, the need truly exists, but the timing lacks much-needed forethought for future years and a plan to deal with the  building’s needs.
The question was raised at candidates’ night of whether or not I would support an economic developer. Absolutely. The town has much potential for growth outside the downtown area. With the successful revitalization of the ballpark comes new opportunity. We have entertained discussions of a possible industrial park road parallel to Smithwheel Road exiting onto I-95, thus eliminating the safety hazard of truck traffic through residential neighborhoods. With a strong economic developer at the helm, our non-residential tax base could grow, providing much needed relief to all.
    Lastly, I believe our town employees are our greatest asset. The morale of our employees is of great concern to me. In an attempt to be fiscally responsible the council has frozen salaries and laid people off through the budget process, and most recently rejected the ratification of a more than fair contract with the Public Works Department. Yet, with all our infinite wisdom, we created two new positions, spent 9,000 taxpayer dollars to hire an outside firm to conduct an “inquiry” in a department, only to destroy morale that much more. I did not support these actions, nor will I prevent them from being transparent.
 I must conclude by extending my gratitude to the citizens for allowing me to serve you as your town councilor for the last 12 years. I  would be privileged and honored to serve you two more.