By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Typically, Naples residents reseat their selectmen during the school budget referendum in May.

However, circumstances have shifted the race for the Naples Board of Selectmen to Nov. 5, which is the traditional Election Day for the rest of the nation.

In the coming weeks, Naples residents who go to polls or vote via absentee ballot will have a choice of three people to fill one seat.

The circumstances that brought about citizens voting for a selectman in the autumn instead of the spring — Selectman Rich Cebra resigned.

The vacant seat has a term which ends in June 2021.

The residents running for the open seat are: Caleb Humphrey, Patty Curran Raitto, and Rick Paraschak.

Humphrey, 34, is currently active on the Naples Budget Committee. In recent months, he has been attending and participating in workshops for the proposed Special Amusement Ordinance and the Outdoors Gathering Ordinance.

Humphrey is self-employed, owning a small machine repair business.

Paraschak, too, is self-employed. The 65-year-old Naples resident owns Earth Solutions, an excavating and design company. The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) employed Paraschak as an engineering technician. For years, he has been a Naples firefighter and EMT.

Paraschak is familiar with the Naples Board of Selectmen; he served several terms on the board.

Currently, Paraschak serves as an alternate on the Naples Planning Board. Also, he has been on the school board, the Naples Budget Committee and the board of directors for Evergreen Credit Union.

Raitto, 61, works as a district mathematic coach for the Regional School District #14, which includes Windham and Raymond schools. She has a master’s degree in science.

In her chosen career field, she has served on many leadership committees. She has been among the community members who have been attending and participating in the workshops for the proposed Special Amusement Ordinance and Outdoors Gathering Ordinance.

Raitto and her husband Michael have three children: Gavin, Rainie, and Morgan.

The candidates were each asked nine questions. The candidates’ responses are listed in alphabetical order according to their last names.

B-News: In your estimation, what is/are the biggest challenge(s) facing the Town of Naples?

Humphrey: The biggest challenge facing Naples is the demographic transition its residents are experiencing. Naples over the last two decades has gone from being a seasonal tourism-based town to that of one being utilized as a summertime retreat, and one that is fast in growth of young working class people as a bedroom community due to urban sprawl from surrounding metropolitan areas. Making sure, as a community, we incorporate into our plans of growth and development for the surge of year-round residents will be a quintessential part in maintaining a healthy, vibrant and prosperous town.

Paraschak: There are no big challenges, only growing pains and keeping up with commercial growth. Ordinances and policies need to be adjusted so people can use their land to the fullest. 

Raitto: Naples is set among a cluster of lakes in the shadow of Mount Washington. Its charm and beauty draw visitors seeking summer vacation fun. These past few decades have seen a shift; liveliness from spring to fall is now an eight- to twelve-week season. Businesses work tirelessly during that short window to make their profit before the crowds go home. Most shops and restaurants close between Labor Day and Columbus Day; a few remain open and struggle through the winter. Without these businesses, our summer residents and visitors, who come for boating, swimming, shopping, dining and enjoying the Maine summer days and evenings, will find entertainment elsewhere. Our greatest challenge is to support our storefronts and restaurants in the busy season, so they can return the next year or survive the winter. We need to preserve the character of this special town, while encouraging new business ventures that enhance our vision. Naples needs to continue to find solutions for the traffic and parking challenges to promote a safe, healthy, bustling village.

B-News: What do you envision the future of the Naples Causeway to be? What can be done to achieve that?

Humphrey: The Naples Causeway, with current shoreland zoning laws and environmental constraints, has a significant handicap as a business entity. It does however possess the destination driven mystique. People come to town and while they are here they visit the Causeway, much like people do the Central Park if they visit New York. It is just that one big recognizable landmark people visit in the area. Current ordinance requirements to keep locations that are businesses on the Causeway as businesses will slow the decline of business loss on the Causeway, one of its memorable aspects. If effort is put towards developing business opportunities on the surrounding road structure (Route 302 towards Bridgton and Casco, as well as stretches down Route 114 and Route 35) we can create a town center around the village/causeway district. The Causeway then can serve as its best function, a place for community functions and events, all while maintaining its paramount characteristic — Its beauty.

Paraschak: The Causeway should be a fun place with as many prosperous businesses as possible. Invest TIF funds to complete the potable water system and continue to expand sidewalks and lighting as planned during the “Causeway Renovation Project.”

Raitto: I envision the Causeway stretching from the Fire Station to Route 35, with a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses that promote the use of the natural resources that surround the village. I believe that if we support the commerce, we will see more vitality in the fall, winter, and spring months. A business-friendly town provides a tax base that is friendly to its residents. The Causeway is the perfect setting for events such as the Blues Festival, (Classic Wooden) Boat Show, and 4th of July and we should consider expanding the use to earlier spring and through the fall. We have a natural backdrop!

B-News: How might your skills and experiences complement the currently seated selectmen’s skills and experiences?

Humphrey: I feel I bring to the table a set of skills that would complement the current members of the board in the ability to be able connect to the younger and growing generation in the town. As well as currently experiencing growing a business in town, I have firsthand exposure to some of the difficulties that businesses are currently enduring and can relate to their barriers. In addition I push for compromise and cooperating to get effective changes moving as ‘time waits for no man.’

Paraschak: Experience from being a prior Selectman, knowing what worked in the past and what did not. Also my Civil Engineering experience for roadway and public works projects as well as development of a future PW Department.

Raitto: I am open-minded and solution-oriented. Learning has defined my career and life, so I welcome new adventures. I work in a support role with a large group of colleagues, on a daily basis, to promote collaboration and increase productivity. I am assertive, but respectful and honest.

B-News: How do you plan to incorporate the wants and needs of residents as you make decisions for the Town of Naples?

Humphrey: A person should incorporate the wants and needs of their community like any good politician should, by considering the majority's rule but upholding the minority's rights. One has to ask themselves how it will benefit everyone in the community? If it will not benefit some, will it be detrimental to their well-being, their liberty and the happiness of living in the community. These are the things respect for one another is built from and should be carried over to the table to find the appropriate and fair compromises.

Paraschak: Listen to what they have to say when they call me or I meet them on the street. Most do not have time in their day to attend public hearings. Be accessible to the residents.

Raitto: Naples is a mosaic of those of us who have spent our lives in western Maine and raised our children here, those who moved here at some point in their lives, those who own seasonal homes and come in the summer, and those who come on vacation to relax, enjoy the water and perhaps dance the night away. When making decisions, we need to consider each of these populations. They all contribute to our economic well-being and many have become our friends. As a representative of the good folks who live and vote here, I plan to prioritize by making decisions that allow businesses to not just survive, but thrive. Without them, the other populations would not be here. I plan to listen attentively to all stakeholders and consider the greater good of the town. It’s important to keep the big picture in mind, while making the compromises necessary for us all to enjoy this gem we call home.

B-News: How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in Naples?

Humphrey: We as a community need to have more involvement in the decision-making. As a board member one needs to push for more general committees and special committees to give an open and efficient avenue to give the community its say in how it feels and stands on issues. Better exposure to what committees and what their functions are would better help the average citizen navigate the political systems structure in town and as an official it is our duty to better educate others on how to utilize it.

Paraschak: Obviously hold public hearings, but also be open to calls and e-mails from the residents and express their concerns at those hearings if they cannot attend. Be accessible to the residents.

Raitto: I plan to be accessible and approachable, considering all reasonable ideas. I will encourage participation in the discussions about town issues. The Select Board exists to facilitate the democratic process.

B-News: What are some of your favorite places in Naples where you like to spend time or would recommend to someone visiting for the first time?

Humphrey: In Naples, there are lots of places to visit. The best ones are its natural beauty, from blue rock on Lake House Road at the outlet of Muddy River in the morning, to the tranquil Holt Pond Preserve, the beauty it has hidden is worth the visit. Combined with the various places to dine found between these outdoor locations, it makes a days adventure in the area worth every breath.

Paraschak: I like the water in the summer and ice in winter. For the tourists I would recommend they bring their boat or rent one and enjoy the water. I would also suggest they bring their campers and stay at one of our great campgrounds and enjoy the dining and nightlife.

Raitto: My favorite place is on the water. I love shopping at The Country Sleigh. I enjoy meeting friends and family at Captain Jack’s in the summer or Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern year-round for good food and music. I try to get down to the Black Bear to hear some Irish entertainment from time to time. I try to spend my time and money at the small businesses owned by locals, rather than support chain stores that have popped up on the outskirts of town. I miss Naples Golf Course; it was a great loss to this town and I cherish the memories from that era gone by.

B-News: Are you in favor of building a new town hall, gym and community center?

Humphrey: For a town that is growing as fast as we have been, all the while experiencing the growing pains associated with it, we do need a better community center, gym and town hall facility to better serve its full-season residents as well as the seasonal influx. Not to be penny-wise and a pound foolish, but one has to consider that a band-aid solution may cost us more in the future. With that in consideration, a complete replacement, if not at least partial replacement of the structures would be a strongly-considered option if budget-wise it can be afforded. Thankfully we do have a committee currently working on methods and options to better address this issue, and it is a great avenue for citizens to express their views as well as be fully-informed on the issue.

Paraschak: I am in favor of building a Municipal Complex which would include all of the above and Fire/Rescue and room for a future Police Dept. I would suggest the land next to Central Station currently owned by the Town. I would also plan for it, but pick the timing of the build to maximize our investment. Right now construction costs are too high.

Raitto: I would love to see a new town hall, gym and community center in this town. It would be great to have a place for more sporting events and classes. I enjoy pickleball and yoga, and I would welcome a place for those activities to happen.

B-News:If you received a $1,000,000 grant to be used in any way in the Town of Naples, how do you think it could best be spent?

Humphrey: With a $1,000,000 open-ended grant, there are countless things one could spend it on, but one would have to consider the populace’s most precedent needs. Remedying and repairing infrastructure issues would tend to benefit the community most as it would allow for yearly tax-generated funding to facilitate growth in the community. Items like a new gym/community center for the yearly residents could be created as well as sidewalk and other business-inviting structures that would seem like the better investment, in turn to create a chance to grow the tax base (not to be confused with raising taxes). Tax bases then allow the town to better afford updates on other public services such as or fire department or adding some like public water and sewer to areas in the future.

Paraschak: I would like to see a commercial business park in Naples. Other towns have had a lot success with bringing businesses to their town, which brings employees and support business. I would also like to make an investment in a multiuse path for residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment, which other communities have done and work well.

Raitto: Parking is a priority. I would also like to connect town parking to hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and summer and winter mountain biking trails. We have an abundance of natural resources that we could tap into to encourage getting outdoors to enjoy the quiet seasons.

B-News: How do you think the Town of Naples should approach the opt-in law regarding the recreational use marijuana industry: both the agricultural and the retail aspect?

Humphrey: Marijuana is here to stay in Maine, be that good or bad. What we do see is the younger generations of people are accepting of it as if it is the same as alcohol, if not being viewed in an even more vigil of a light. With that being said, and seeing the attraction of recreational substances (being able to buy dinner with a drink) in both our community and others, and fully knowing that marijuana is here to stay. It would be prudent if the community adopted the opt-in (state-enforced laws) and then further set any needed restrictions we as a community foresee as ordinance just for the tax revenue we would other wise loose. With zoning one can ensure that we wouldn't have recreational facilities next to child-oriented facilities, and the same can be done with growing/agricultural facilities so as to maintain the tranquil and majestic beauty of the area.

Paraschak: The state voters have voted for the legal use of this product and for the town not to move forward with the state would be missed opportunity for us. CBD creams and drops are a $4 billion business and growing. We should not have it in everyone’s back yard but we allow as long as they are following our ordinances. 

Raitto: I think they should survey the residents and hold a hearing to learn what the prevailing opinion is on these businesses being in town. I acknowledge that it is legal and that there is medicinal value in the plant. Viable businesses are sprouting in surrounding towns. I think we can learn from those who have already opted-in. The residents should have an opportunity to weigh in on the extent to which Naples participates as we move forward.