Eight Candidates Vying for Bar Harbor Town Council Seats Answer Our Questions
BAR HARBOR—Due to the resignations of former councilors, Gary Friedmann and Kyle Shank, earlier this year, there are three different races for four town council seats and eight candidates running for those positions.
Earl Brechlin and Randell Sprague are the incumbents running for reelection. Sprague and Meagan Kelly had been appointed to the positions by the council to fill out Shank’s and Friedmann’s chairs until the election. Kelly is running for the warrant committee.
Steven Boucher, Jr., Earl Brechlin, and Nathan Young are running for two available seats for three-year terms.
Kevin Knopp, Randell Sprague, and Diane Vreeland are running for the one seat available for the two-year term.
David Kief and Nina St.Germain are running for the one seat available for the one-year term.
VOTING DETAILS
Voting occurs on June 10, 2025 at the Bar Harbor Municipal Building auditorium on Cottage Street. Poll hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the same time that the town’s land use ordinance amendments will be voted on and when voters elect town councilors.
The town’s budget articles are voted on during town meeting, which occurs on June 3, 2025 at the Conners Emerson gymnasium. That begins at 6 p.m.
HOW WE ARE PRESENTING THE CANDIDATES
We’ve split up their answers according to terms that they are running for and have not edited the content of the answers. The candidates also wrote their own biographical statements. All photos were selected and sent in by the candidates themselves. Under each race, we’ve alphabetized the candidates.
All the candidate profiles will be posted here on our 2025 elections tab.
There will be a League of Women Voters forum officially announced soon and potentially another opportunity to listen to or meet the candidates. We’ll update you as soon as those details are official.
THREE-YEAR TERM
TWO SEATS AVAILABLE
Running for these two seats are Steven Boucher, Jr., Earl Brechlin (incumbent), and Nathan Young.
STEVEN BOUCHER
Hello! My name is Steve Boucher and I am real estate broker at Acadia Cornerstone Real Estate based here in Bar Harbor, where I reside with my fiancée, Amanda, and my seven-year-old son, Kieran, who is in first grade at Connor’s Emerson. I’m a proud father, cancer survivor, and dog lover, we share our home with our two “enthusiastic” pups, Monty and Milo.
Originally from Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, I have developed a deep connection to the local community over the years. With over 12 years of experience in real estate, I have owned and managed several rental properties while also working in sales. From this work I have gained an extensive knowledge of local land use rules and applications as well as the wants and needs regarding housing within the local community.
Beyond my real estate career, a passion of mine is local volunteerism. I currently serve on the boards of the MDI/YMCA and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. In the past, I have held leadership positions as president of the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club (also still an active member), vice president of Kids Corner, vice president of the 1932 Criterion Theatre, and vice president of The Bar Harbor Kids Book Festival. I would like to hope that my contributions to these organizations are a testament to helping better my community and provide an example of civil stewardship for my son.
In addition to my volunteer work, I am currently in my second term serving on the Bar Harbor Warrant Committee, where I am an active member of our protections subcommittee.
A lover of all things outdoors, I treasure time in Acadia National Park, where I enjoy biking and hiking with my family whenever possible.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
I am eager to continue my journey of service to our community because I believe this is a unique place that requires thoughtful balance as we shape the future of our town. I have always reminded myself that if I choose to stay and raise my family here, I must invest in and contribute to our community to the best of my ability.
On a personal level, as I mentioned in my biography, I aspire to be a role model for my son. I want to create a legacy of stewardship and foster an environment in our town that he can be proud of as he grows.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
If there is anything that I could wave a magic wand and fix, it would be the communication that takes place between the town and our voters. I think a lot of our troubles stem from how polarized our community is and the concerns about making sure that everyone receives exactly what they want from the town and that’s just not a viable or realistic approach.
We need to respect our differences and find a way to meet each other halfway on all of the current issues. There is no perfect deal for either side. Concessions need to be made and understood by everyone so that we have a community where people feel heard. There needs to be a balance.
I realize this is easier said than done. But if we can work towards a little less “us vs. them” and focus more on “together” and the middle ground, then we can have a clearer path towards equitable solutions.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
I love our diversity here. The town is such a melting pot of society. We have the seasoned local fishermen and tradespeople that have worked and been here all their lives, people from higher institutes of education like the COA, The Jackson Lab, and MDI Biological Laboratory. We also have folks from Acadia National Park and many local artisans and business owners. There are so many different walks of life and experiences that we can learn and draw from. Outside of being next to a national park, I truly believe our community itself makes us most unique!
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
Negotiations. I spend much of my time negotiating and advocating for clients as part of my job. As I mentioned above, I think we should start to draw on the idea that we can’t necessarily have it all and take a more balanced type of approach where all parties walk away feeling heard.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
I love our town as is! I think we’ll always need some nip and tuck as we move through the years. But I’m not sure there is much I would want to change overall. There are some infrastructure items like some of our side streets I would like to see improved, but not one particular big change at this moment. How about winter? Can we make winter shorter for our town?
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
As far as I’m concerned, short-term rentals seemed to be fairly managed going forward with regulations in place for the future. However, I feel there has not been any compelling data that I’ve seen that has shown capping VR2s has provided more affordable housing, but the people have spoken. It’s unfortunate because I believe there were opportunities to leverage this in a way to actually create affordable housing. For instance, incentivizing builders to build multi-units by allowing say for example one VR2 for every four units they build. But again, the people have made their feelings known and we are moving forward.
As far as increasing affordable housing, we need to build it. How we do that is obviously more nuanced and there are many amazing citizens that have been gathering recently to work toward this.
I think the town is on the right trajectory currently by starting to consider increasing density in the village areas. Other specifics could be but not limited to, increasing building heights, decreasing the square-foot-per-family requirements, minimum road frontage … etc.
There are also forty zones in this town which seems a bit cumbersome for our size. We definitely have not made it easy in the past to provide affordable housing but I do understand plans are being worked on to alleviate this and I look forward to the opportunity to be part of that process.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
This obviously is unfortunate all around. The maternity unit to me is a vital part of this community. In my opinion it’s a badge of honor to say you were born here and to no longer have that opportunity for new families is disappointing to say the least. However, having worked with many organizations with budgets, I do understand that sometimes you have to make tough decisions.
At the end of the day, the hospital is a private organization and is mostly outside the purview of the council. The council has a lot on its plate already without trying to control things that it can’t. We as citizens though, need to be loud and continue to make ourselves heard by hospital officials if we want things changed.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
I do think we are thriving. Despite all of the major issues the town has wrangled with over the last few years, Bar Harbor still remains one of the most desirable areas in the country. As far as defining that, I would start with looking at how we are doing economically and socially, as both are symbiotic to our culture. Having a balance of both is healthy. Infrastructure wise, we have Main Street and the new school project ongoing, business and accommodations numbers are steady. Most of our non-profits appear to be thriving; the library is expanding, YMCA use and membership is up, just as a few examples. Overall, people still desire to be part of this community.
I think that sometimes people see the headlines regarding the hot button issues (cruise ships/moratoriums … etc.) and feel a little out of control. These types of issues have always been there and always will; they are just now amplified because of social media and people being able to comment in real time. I try to look past that and look at the tangible results when gauging how well we are doing.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
Having served on the warrant committee through several budget years, I find the application process to be thorough and concise. Between the council and the warrant members there is a plenty of oversight as to how any funds are allocated.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
I know that I’m not for adding any extra out of pocket costs to our taxpayers. I think our best bet would be to establish a comprehensive recycling program. Possibly we could draw from community resources like the COA to help create said program. The amount of food waste in the summer alone being recycled could create a huge relief towards the tonnage we end up disposing of.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
It’s two sided. People have to should feel heard and included, but people also need to be accountable and want to be part of the process. How as a council do we do our part and try to engage citizens and have them feel like they have an equal share? I actually think the current council has done well in this area.
You need to provide spaces for citizens to be heard which I feel like there are many forums and citizens led working groups. The amount of outreach and literature for the new comp plan has been commendable. I do think working closer with open data initiatives may help. This would include making it easier for citizens to access real time data and demographics about the town. They can also increase awareness using social media especially as we try to engage our younger generation of citizens. There are a lot of folks that I run into that missed attending or listening to meetings because they were not aware when they took place. I realize this is listed publicly in the paper and on our website but more and more people everyday are using social media to stay updated on news in real time.
EARL BRECHLIN
Earl Brechlin of Bar Harbor currently serves on the town council. He has also served on the Planning Board, Warrant Committee and the Conservation Commission.
A Registered Maine Guide and recreational lobster fisherman, Brechlin is a former Maine Journalist of Year and is the author of eight books about Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park.
After two stints as editor of the Bar Harbor Times, he was the founding editor of the Mount Desert Islander a weekly newspaper that repeatedly won first place for general excellence from the National, New England and Maine Press Associations. A member of the Maine Press Hall of Fame, he is the holder of more than 100 journalism awards. Along with serving as President of the New England Press Association, Brechlin also was President of the Maine Press Association multiple times.
He also worked as Communications Director for Friends of Acadia.
He is an instructor for the Acadia Senior College and is a past President of the Bar Harbor Historical Society. He was an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic for 17 years.
Brechlin has also been a board member of the Island Housing Trust, the Bar Harbor Youth Hostel Committee, the MDI YMCA, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and the Trustees of the Bar Harbor Congregational Church. He is a Past Master of the Bar Harbor Masonic Lodge.
He and his wife Roxie (Sawyer), a retired school teacher, live on the Eagle Lake Road.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
I am running because I think it is important to continue forward on the path the town has taken over the past two years to become more responsive to resident concerns and to work to find a balance between maintaining Bar Harbor as a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and also a good place to make a living from our long-standing tradition of accommodating tourists and visitors from all over the world.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
My prime issue is preserving Bar Harbor the Community which is increasingly at risk from Bar Harbor’s headlong conversion into a commodity. The housing crisis is a prime example. We have 15 percent of available housing used as vacation rentals. Another 15 percent or so is used as seasonal employee housing. And, as has been the case for decades, another 15 percent is owned by people who only stay here seasonally. So, nearly half our units are unavailable or out of reach for regular folks although the number is probably higher due to the extraordinary high real estate prices. The transient lodging moratorium is not just about there being too many hotel rooms (although there has to be a limit) but rather about the loss of year-round housing to transient uses, both tourists and workers. In a town that a recent report showed needs at least 600 more units of housing, addressing that need should start with assigning the highest priority to protecting each and every existing unit.
I also have watched as bigger developers are quietly purchasing smaller parcels in the downtown to eventually consolidate them, tear down what’s there now, and build large hotels, reducing retail and economic diversity and charm.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
One thing I love about Bar Harbor is that it is still one of the few places where the usual socio-economic stratifications of society are less distinct. Summer people, business people, waiters, fishermen, artists, musicians, retirees, students and organic farmers all mix and mingle, serve side-by-side on boards and committees, and share a common affection for this place, its spirit and its people. The fact there are approximately 100 non-profits on MDI is a fine illustration of this point.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
After 46 years in the local newspaper business, where I got to meet, spend time with, and befriend, people from every walk of life, I think I have a basic understanding of where folks are coming from and what is most important to them. My love of local history and service in the historical society has also helped me formulate a reverence for, and appreciation of, how Bar Harbor got to where it is today. Knowing where we’ve been is always helpful in predicting where we should be heading.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
The one thing I would change about Bar Harbor would be to find a way to get folks to transcend some of the online vitriol and meanness that poses for political discourse these days. We should all be able to disagree without the need to insult, intimidate or ridicule those of alternate opinions.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
I fully support the cap on investor-owned vacation rentals (VR2) and think it should be lowered. Other communities that have capped it put the max at 1.5 to 2 percent, not 9. One of the most damning statements for the future of this community is when people looking to buy a seasonal residence here are told “good rental potential.”
Yes, VR2s have gone down but one reason is that multiple unit properties owned by larger businesses that initially registered myriad units to maintain non-conformity, have dropped many of those. And, much of the increase in the VR1 (homestead) vacation rentals has come from former VR2 people who have lost their permit, can’t renew, and have re-filed under dubious information as homesteads. Granting children or relatives small percentages of ownership, and having them apply as the homestead resident, are some examples of ways people are trying to circumvent the law. In another case, a former VR2 owner got a driver’s license for the local address, and then claimed the property as a homestead, even though they already have a homestead tax exemption property in another island town where they actually live. I hear that new house buyers who don’t plan to become permanent residents are frequently coached how to get around the law. That has to stop.
True VR1s are ultimately housing neutral because when it is where someone lives year-round, that property is not lost to the total housing pool. In the interest of full disclosure, my wife and I have a VR1 and have done some vacation rental weeks over the past 20 years in a cabin/guest house we built ourselves on our property.
Currently, the council is working on a package of ordinances that will more fully define VR1, helping us to disqualify cheats and those who have been less than forthright for economic gain at the expense of our community.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
Many organizations on MDI have stepped up in the last couple of years to create more housing including major employers, Acadia National Park, College of the Atlantic, the Jackson Lab, the MDI Housing Trust, Friends of Acadia and others. While the town is not in a position to become a housing developer or landlord, we have capped investor-owned vacation rentals, adopted new zoning that allows double density on most residential lots to encourage the creation of auxiliary dwelling units or apartments, and we recently waived tens of thousands of dollars in building permit fees to help encourage the YWCA of MDI housing project on the former Hamilton Station property.
While MDI Hospital, in hindsight, undoubtedly could have handled how the community learned about its plans to close its OB department differently, and may have underestimated community concern, the underlying loss of this service is not entirely their fault. Housing prices are just too high here for younger couples, in prime child-bearing years, to own a home. Also, when you have 500 investor-owned vacation rentals in Bar Harbor, probably at least 1,000 more in Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor and Tremont, not to mention Trenton, is it any surprise that the birth rate has dropped precipitously? You can’t take 1,500 to 2,000 units of housing out of circulation and wonder where all the children have gone. Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont all rejected vacation rental caps in the past year. I believe they will all rue the day. I would like to see MDI Hospital collaborate with other area institutions to explore ways to share the provision of OB services so that having Bar Harbor on a birth certificate does not become a thing of the past.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
Bar Harbor is certainly a bustling community but that doesn’t necessarily translate to thriving. Our retail mix has shifted away from goods and services a year-round community needs. Decades of working to extend the tourist season hasn’t resulted in places being open year-round but rather more and more owners now being able to afford closing for months at a time. We are on a precipice where, if we falter or lose our balance, we will not be able to recover. I feel the vast majority of Bar Harbor residents still see the community, the town we desire, the town we remember fondly, as worth fighting for. Time will tell.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
As appropriations to larger nonprofits continue to grow it is imperative that more detailed memorandums of understanding and other formal documents outlining expectations of all parties, be negotiated and signed. Other towns give similar amounts to similar organizations but often those are entirely municipal, not independently, managed and owned.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
The town council recently held a presentation on solid waste issues and there’s a report on that on the town website. The upshot is that our volume of waste doubles in summer and I think it’s fair to explore how seasonal establishments, rather than taxpayers can pay their fair share of those costs. I believe we can start with less radical steps such as charging commercial haulers and weighing that trash (partially to make sure it comes from Bar Harbor).
Looking for such alternate sources of revenue is especially vital if state officials fail to adopt Rep. Gary Friedmann’s LD 746 which would let towns charge up to 2 percent local option lodging tax(with some of that money going to support housing issues statewide). I was honored to testify in Augusta in support of that bill. We are also looking at increasing our artificially-low per-passenger fee for cruise ships that are allowed to disembark legally to help cover the revenue shortfall from fewer large ships.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
I think transparency and trust come from familiarity and by establishing a track record of working together among all those involved. Over the past few years many town council appointees to boards and committees have come from the ranks of some of our biggest critics. To me that shows openness, and trust, and a devotion that all be heard.
Our council meetings, even workshops, are all open to the public, available online and on TV, and our contact information is everywhere. We start every meeting with an open public comment. When I joined the council, we changed the rules to allow public comment on every issue on the agenda. There has never been more openness than there is now. I’ve always had a listed telephone number and I’m always happy to discuss important local issues.
NATHAN YOUNG
I was born in Bar Harbor, raised in Seal Harbor and I’m a proud graduate of MDI High School. I enlisted in the Air Force before dedicating 29 years to our town, including serving as your police chief from 1991 to 2013. For nearly three decades, I had an on-the-ground view of Bar Harbor’s changes — its growth, its challenges, and its tipping points. I see this election as giving me a chance to work at returning our town government to fiscal responsibility, restoring the balance between our business and residential community, and steering Bar Harbor toward a sustainable future.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
Bar Harbor has lost its commitment to fiscal responsibility. In a time of unprecedented inflation, the town council approved daunting new expenses — for additional personnel, extra vehicles to our fleet, and over $500,000 to non-governmental entities. These moves run counter to responsible governance and have driven our budget over the top, undermining the affordability we claim to prioritize. As Police Chief, I worked on budgets for decades, giving me an understanding of how they work and how they can be improved. I’m running for council to help achieve a budget that will respond to what we really need in a way that’s most cost-effective.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
Restoring the balance.
For years our business and residential communities have drifted apart, fueled by growth and concessions—redefined height limits, zero setbacks, waived sewer fees, and relaxed parking rules—that spurred business success but left long-term residents feeling displaced, as evidenced by 35+ years of pushback. The recent moratorium and formation of a tourism task force offer a path to restore balance.
My priorities include:
- Thoughtful Development: Developers will do what they do—it’s on us to control and regulate. By defining where growth can and can’t happen, we can avoid conflicts and unintended consequences. My experience allows me to anticipate pitfalls and advocate for consistent rules we can enforce.
- Prioritize Housing: Housing is priority one, but our geography and high property values—third highest in Maine, second in Hancock County—pose challenges. We must pursue solutions that respect our limits.
- Engage the Community: The tourism task force is a step forward. I’ll ensure it addresses all forms of lodging in a way that works to rebuild trust between businesses and residents.
At the same time, we need to recognize the value of our business community and the many contributions they make to organizations within this town, besides the huge amount of sales and lodging tax that goes to the State of Maine.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
It’s not hard to love the natural beauty surrounding us. There are so many places in and around town offering both serenity and grounding. I’ve always found it fascinating that we get to live in a place that’s a dream destination for so many.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
With 29 years of experience in public safety in Bar Harbor, 22 years as police chief, I’m highly versed in situational awareness, proactive problem-solving, and community-focused leadership. My ability to anticipate challenges, offer actionable insights, and drive impactful change has been honed through diverse responsibilities that include:
Policy Development and Advocacy: I strengthened the special amusement permit ordinance by advocating for a mandatory enforcement clause, shifting from discretionary to definitive action against violations. I co-developed the disorderly housing ordinance, empowering authorities to address recurring issues at problem locations with enforceable consequences.
Strategic Community Engagement: We transformed Bar Harbor’s approach to unruly behavior by collaborating with judicial leaders to establish accountability. This shift in mindset led to successful prosecutions, fostering the safer, more civilized community environment we enjoy today
Traffic and Infrastructure Expertise: With deep knowledge of traffic patterns and their community impact, partly gained through chairing the Parking and Traffic Committee, I delivered data-based presentations to boards and committees leading to informed decision-making. My participation in the now disbanded cruise ship committee along with my on-the-ground work experience gives me both a critical insight and motivation to see this long-standing controversy brought to a successful end benefitting the entire town, not just the deep pockets invested in it.
Grant Writing and Resource Acquisition: I secured funding for critical infrastructure, including the port security building, harbormaster boat, fire department equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus, mass casualty trailer, and pickup truck), and upgraded communications systems. I obtained grants to hire three full-time officers with fully funded training and equipment, achieving the goal of a fully staffed department.
Collaborative Leadership and Communication: Built strong relationships with community members, gathering valuable feedback on local conditions. Participated in information-sharing through staff meetings and council discussions, ensuring cross-departmental alignment and informed decision-making on community issues.
Project Management and Implementation: Played an active role in addressing complex community challenges, from public safety to quality-of-life concerns, by delivering solutions that balanced stakeholder needs with long-term town goals.
My extensive experience in public safety, policy development and community collaboration equips me to bring strategic insight, actionable solutions, and a commitment to enhancing community well-being to any team.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
Vacation rentals are a legitimate lodging option and have a place in our town. However, their rapid growth — 50 new VR1 rental licenses issued in 2024 — has contributed to the over-commercialization of our community. To address this, the town should halt the issuance of new vacation rental licenses. Existing licenses should be consolidated into a single "vacation rental" category, with ordinances amended to allow transferability as long as the license remains active. If a license expires, the property should lose its vacation rental status. This framework eliminates confusion over categories, reduces potential abuses, and, most importantly, protects property owners’ rights moving forward.
Additionally, the Town Council’s moratorium on hotels was a step in the right direction but fell short. It should have included all forms of visitor lodging until we can better understand the town’s long-term direction and avoid the reactive, patchwork policymaking that led to our current challenges. The formation of a tourism task force provides a valuable mechanism to comprehensively evaluate the impacts of visitation and related issues facing our town.
The issue of affordable housing on MDI, while intensified by the surge in vacation rentals, cannot be solved simply by returning properties to the market as many of those homes are likely out of the reach of the individuals trying to enter the housing market. Having grown up here, I was often told that living on MDI would be out of reach due to its high costs. Thankfully, local leaders have now recognized this as a regional crisis and are taking meaningful steps to address the workforce housing shortage, particularly for essential trades that keep our community running. I’m eager to contribute to an action-oriented process that prioritizes solutions without straining our most critical infrastructure—our fragile ecosystem. Over saturation is not the answer; sustainable, collaborative efforts are.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
This resonates with me particularly because my grandson (born in 2023) represents the fourth generation of my family to be born at MDI hospital. What made it even more powerful was my daughter describing the wonderful experience she had, which she attributed to the outstanding staff at MDI Hospital. My hope is that some outside-the-box solution—which would likely come only after much greater transparency about the factors underlying the recent decision—might allow vital services to remain on MDI.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
Bar Harbor has immense potential to be a vibrant, thriving community. But persistent factors like housing shortages, economic disparity, and social divisions hinder its progress. These get more entrenched every year as long as nothing is done. To truly flourish, we need to set aside rigid stances so as to achieve genuine dialogue. Only by coming together with a shared commitment to change moving forward can Bar Harbor address its ongoing problems and build toward a more inclusive, resilient future.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
For many years, the town has maintained a tradition of funding cooperating agencies through a rigorous screening process with strict limitations. Recently, the library and the YMCA have been reclassified under a separate "recreation" cost center. This year’s budget allocates over $490,000 to these two entities alone, with another $100,000 designated for the regular "cooperating agencies budget." As previously noted, increasing funding for entities not directly tied to essential government operations is irresponsible during a time of rising expenses. This approach fails to consider affordability for residents already facing tight budgets and undermines the goal of fiscal responsibility we’re trying to achieve.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
I recognize the urgent need to address our town's waste stream, and the associated cost—particularly given the collapse of a viable recycling program, which has led to increased waste tonnage. To move forward, we must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a pay-as-you-throw program. Any decision must be informed by detailed data and thoughtful discussion to determine the real sources of our waste management dilemma. At this stage, I’m not prepared to either support or oppose the program without clear evidence to guide our decision-making.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
As town councilor, I would try to appoint individuals with diverse perspectives on our boards and committees. These advisory groups play a critical role in shaping policy, and different viewpoints can encourage candid discussion before proposals reach the council. Our town is rich in talent, yet many hesitate to participate, feeling their voices aren’t valued. I understand these concerns and will work to foster an inclusive environment where all opinions are respected and considered.
TWO-YEAR TERM
ONE SEAT AVAILABLE
Running for this seat is Kevin Knopp, Randell Sprague (incumbent), and Diane Vreeland.
KEVIN KNOPP
I’ve had family here for decades, and on our many visits, my wife and I dreamed of making Bar Harbor home. We bought a house in 2010, and in 2018, we finally moved here for good. A dream come true for us.
Wanting to get involved in the community, I volunteered for Island Connections and eventually became a board member. Wanting to do more, I applied and was appointed to the Bar Harbor Assessment Review Board and then the Bar Harbor Housing Authority.
I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in corporate finance, and nearly 40 years of professional experience. For most of my career I was a certified management accountant. I started on Wall Street, shifted to the public accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand, then worked for many years as a controller for a defense contractor. I have a wealth of experience in financial management (budgets, financial reporting, and analysis).
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
I want to ensure that our town council is truly responsive to the people who live here. I’m focused on finding a way for all of us to share what our town offers, without depleting resources and harming our environment in the process. I’m running because I believe we need to take better care of our town so that it can survive and thrive into the future.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
If I had to pick one local issue that matters to me, it would be to protect and preserve our community and residential neighborhoods. As a “gateway/amenity” town for Acadia, we’re a place a lot of people visit and while that’s a blessing, it also means we face all the pressures that come with such popularity, and we must be good stewards of such a beautiful place. Too much of a good thing can become harmful over time—to our natural resources, our neighborhoods with affordable housing, and it drives property taxes too high. All these impacts are threatening to erode our community and our residential neighborhoods. The business opportunities here are something we must find a sustainable balance with so that it works for everyone.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
My first thought is the Village Green and how much I love going there on a warm evening with my wife, sitting on a bench with my ice cream and watching people so happy just to be here. I love seeing the kids run around the gazebo playing and laughing, especially when two of them are my grandsons. But as someone who lives on Ledgelawn Ave., I also have to say that celebrating Halloween is one of the most amazing things this town does every year. It’s always a blast and I’m proud to be a part of a town that does so much for its children. It’s one of the many wonderful things that makes Bar Harbor such a great place, a great community to call home.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
I can only say that we are all individuals, and we are all the sum of our life experiences, and that makes each of us unique. Because of what’s happening in the country, we’re facing an uncertain future. Over a long and successful career in management accounting and finance, I’ve been praised for my calm leadership style, especially during a crisis. As part of senior management teams, I’ve helped navigate companies through recessions, economic bubbles, dramatic surges in demand, financing, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. I will bring that experience to the town council if elected.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
To me, success for Bar Harbor means balanced growth. In other words, everyone shares in the benefits of sustainable tourism without compromising our residential neighborhoods, our environment, or our community.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
Affordable housing and vacation rentals are such important and challenging issues. While not the only cause of a depleted housing stock, the conversion of homes into revenue-generating investments (or housing for seasonal employees) has created a real threat to year-round housing. So many people must now compete with business interests to buy a home. This is not unique to Bar Harbor, but its effect here is devastating to our community. I support the 9% cap on VR2 lodging businesses and would support looking into further reductions and restrictions.
VR1s, or rentals of one’s primary residence, are, to me, a different type of lodging business. I support them as they allow many in our community to live here.
However, I believe we urgently need to review and better define our regulations to ensure the residency requirement is being met. We need to ensure these permits are used as we intended and then enforced.
As for other ways to increase housing and affordability I support the concept of “gentle density,” but I’m cautious in how we approach it. Outside the areas with town water and sewer service, we need to better understand the carrying capacity of the land for new wells and septic systems and prioritize protection of our critical watersheds. Even downtown, where increases make more sense, I want the residents to have a say in how we define gentle density in areas that many feel are already dense. I believe we can, as a community, come to an agreement on where to increase housing density, how high we want buildings to be, how we define and where we encourage multi-unit dwellings that don’t overwhelm.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
I was disappointed to learn about the hospital’s decision to close its maternity center, an important and beloved part of the community. This is especially true at a time when the availability of healthcare services seems to be declining, especially for women. I can only add my voice to those who ask the hospital administration to delay and reconsider this decision. It is unfortunate that there wasn’t a discussion involving the community beforehand and I believe that was a missed opportunity. It might have resulted in some creative thoughts on alternatives to shuttering the service completely. It certainly would have at a minimum, prepared the community for this impactful change. I still think we’re lucky to have a hospital in a community of our size and it’s an asset we want to support and protect to ensure we have a functioning hospital that serves the healthcare needs of our visitors and our community.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
I think Bar Harbor in many ways is a thriving community, but I also feel we’ve come to a fork in the road. Either we become another Key West, completely taken over by tourism, or we manage to become a more balanced gateway community. I’ve made it clear which road I want to take and that’s why I’m running for town council. I have no financial interest in any business and would work to improve trust and transparency in our local government.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
I love the Jesup library and the YMCA. They are both wonderful places and serve the residents in many ways and as community assets they need and deserve our support. I would hope that the community would step up and directly support them.
I believe the current budget process could be improved. Too many people tell me they don’t understand how funding these outside service partners works—we need to do a better job communicating. Our town needs to be more fiscally responsible to keep property tax increases low and housing more affordable. I will actively support more fiscal responsibility in our town budget to ensure that taxes don’t cripple the growth of the town. Public funds generated by the taxpayers should be used to fund services required by the community, administered by the town, and approved in the budget by residents. I will diligently scrutinize any request to spend public funds beyond that definition.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
All my training and experience in accounting and finance tell me there’s an opportunity in our handling of trash disposal to save taxpayers money. But it must be accomplished in a way that’s easy to administer, easy to follow, and easy to enforce. If we can save residents money by transferring the cost of disposing of our trash to the people who generate it, that seems fair to me, and I will support it.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
If elected, I will try to model transparency on the council. As a retiree, I have no business or financial interest in any business. My only desire is to serve the community I love and care about. First and foremost, that means listening to you, the residents of Bar Harbor. Then I will do all I can to communicate openly. I will bring my experience in finance to ensure fiscal responsibility in all council decisions. Trust is hard won, easily lost, and requires constant diligence. Trust comes from listening to people from every side of the issue, deliberating on best solutions in public forums while responding to comments and questions, then communicating clearly why a particular path was chosen. I hope to lead by example and over time, improve the transparency and trust between the people and the town.
If anyone would like to reach out to me, please email me at: kevinbarharbor@gmail.com Thank you.
RANDELL SPRAGUE
I was born and raised in Bar Harbor I grew up in small town Bar Harbor; I now live in tourist town Bar Harbor. I graduated from MDI High School in 1973.
At 13 I started working. My first job was vacuuming the dining room at the Bar Harbor Motor Inn. I worked a variety of jobs until attending Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute two-year course in heating ventilating and air conditioning.
I bought my first home in ’82, a 2 apartment home on 1st South St. for $25,000 with 16% mortgage rate. I worked and earned the State of Maine licenses for Master Plumber, Master Oil and Solid Fuel, Licensed Propane, and Natural Gas Technician, and EPA Refrigerant Handling Certification.
I owned and operated a heating and plumbing contracting business and had hundreds of customers. I have been in most every home and business in Bar Harbor.
I made connections with nationally and internationally recognized people in the industry. I have traveled to Germany twice, France, and Italy as a guest of heating manufacturing companies. My wife and I raised three children.
My three children and I all attended Ethel I. Connors Emerson and MDI High School. I served on the Harbor Committee, the Warrant Committee and the Economic Development Task Force.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
I care deeply about Bar Harbor and its residents. Tourism has been a blessing and a curse, Bar Harbor has been fortunate to attract visitors that have bolstered our local economy. We have attracted a varied amount of talented people from craftsmen to doctors and educators. We have top notch facilities such as College the Atlantic, M.D.I. Hospital, museums Jesup Library and YMCA , not to mention gift shops that go beyond catering to tourists
For years there has been a poisonous attitude from locals towards tourism. Having gotten a check years ago from one of the first big hoteliers, Sonny Cough, I started to recognize how much of a benefit tourism is to our community.
Printed on the check I received from Sonny where the words, “these are tourist generated dollar.” This payment to me was then spent locally to pay for goods and services. I recognized the trickle down.
As our tourist industry grew and grew, it had displaced many of our small town businesses. To support the tourism industry, our infrastructures have had to grow exponentially. Too much of this growth has been a burden on the residents. While I truly appreciate the businesses and nonprofits, they must carry their fair share of the infrastructure costs. I want to help guide this.
I have already been made aware of the high cost of our solid waste disposal directly related to the summer tourism season also the cost of water in our town. Ot is unfairly billed. The residents are charged one rate; the big users get a discount on the more they use. Our infrastructure has to be bigger to serve them and yet we give them a discount. Things like this need to be addressed. Bar Harbor Water Division is on the cusp of having to rebuild how we treat our drinking water. When we add just a couple hundred more customers, we are required to invest several million dollars to upgrade our system.
I’ve only served on the council for a very short time, but I’ve recognized some of the things that need improvements.
My heart is truly with the residents of the town of Bar Harbor, but I do recognize the importance of the businesses. We must all learn to coexist and work together to have a successful community. I am hoping I can help facilitate this
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
There are many local issues that matter to me but more importantly is what issues matter to the residents of Bar Harbor.
My job allows me to interact with many people in Bar Harbor businesses and residents. What I hear most from the people is high taxes. The town, like a business, has revenues and expenses. To help with taxes either you have to increase revenue or minimize expenses.
I would hope that more people would become involved in the budget process. Then they might understand how difficult it is to try to cut expenses. We really need to look hard to how we can increase revenues. A local options tax would be wonderful. It could help the community and let us all thrive and survive better. I really don’t have an agenda other than to see the town be successful, have coexistence between the businesses and the residents, and have businesses carry their fair share of the burden of the cost to the growing infrastructure that supports them.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
I love the fact that we have the opportunity to serve our community in endless ways. Whether serving on a board, a committee, or driving for Island Connections. People do not notice enough or recognize how so many people give of their time freely
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
I do not think I have any particular skill that only l can bring. I like to think outside the box. I play devil’s advocate, not to shoot down ideas but to truly understand the ramifications of the decisions we make. I listen.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
To rid ourselves of the rampant anger and those who foster and thrive on creating discord.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
The vacation rental business is a problem around the world. It turns homes into businesses, depletes the housing stock, and destroys neighborhoods. I am glad to see that the town has taken steps to curtail in absentia land lords. I am disappointed though to see that local family-owned short-term rental properties will lose that status if handed down to family members.
Regarding what to do to address affordable housing, we are very fortunate to have organizations such as Island Housing Trust and the Y.W.C.A. The town should do all that it can to support their efforts. We need to build partnerships with private businesses and M.D.I. & Ellsworth Housing Authority.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
It is indeed a tragedy that the hospital unilaterally made that decision. It really created a lot of bad feelings toward the hospital. It makes it feel like less of a community hospital. Our health care system is broken. It seems the hospital will not change its mind.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
I had to turn to the dictionary to look up community. Socially there is too much animosity to call us thriving. We need to show more respect and understanding. Economically, we are doing better than most Maine towns.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
This has regrettably causes a lot of friction in Bar Harbor. Both of these entities offer valuable services to the community. Even though I do not personally use them, I think they are an asset to the town. This is where more community involvement in the budget process is important. People tend to come to the game too late.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
A recent study was very eye opening. The summertime spike in solid waste doubles the amount we handle in a year. This is where it becomes a case that tourist businesses need to step up. We are faced with having to build out our infrastructure to support tourism. We need to create an equitable pay-as-you-go system.
I have suggested a three-tiered pay system: level one—year round residents rate is lowest; level 2—year-round businesses have a higher rate; and level 3—summer businesses have an even higher rate.
Residents in particular should should see a direct reduction in their tax bill by showing evidence of what they paid in on pay-as-you-go and reduce their tax bill accordingly.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
Once again, this where it is important that community members need to be proactive in being involved.
I do not think that things are being hidden from the public. On many occasions people are surprised by actions being taken projects or policies enacted and are shocked that it is happening, and they did not know about it. Their reaction is that something sneaky is going on. There is a lot going on in town constantly, and it would be a full-time for anyone to keep up with it.
At times, there will be an executive session, which my involve personnel issues, which could cause harm to an individual, or a contract negotiation which could give the other side an advantage if disclosed.
Since having been serving, albeit briefly, I was very pleased to see that the town manager generates a report weekly that outlines what each town department and division had accomplished in the past week to keep the Town Council up to speed on what has been going on. I am happy to report, that because of this question, I have asked that this report be made readily available to the public. Moving forward, this will be posted online, and made available to the public.
DIANE VREELAND
I’m Diane L. Vreeland, a proud Mainer living in Town Hill. My professional background spans healthcare, real estate, and customer service. I’ve worked in radiology at both Maine Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital, earned a degree in real estate from USM, and served in customer support at IBM.
In a 300-bed hospital, I was responsible for medical coding, quality control, compliance, and reporting to accounts receivable—recovering thousands daily through problem-solving and process improvements. I also reviewed every edit received from the Foundation for Healthy Communities, all while attending night school at one of the universities.
I care deeply about our environment, ecosystem, and community. In Town Hill, I worked with the DOT to install a blinking crosswalk light for child safety and helped secure new sidewalks. I’ve served on the Town Planning Committee in Kennebunkport, on the American Cancer Society board in Indiana, and volunteered on outreach trips in Central America. Locally, I’ve raised funds for many Bar Harbor nonprofits and currently help organize special events for the HSPCA. I actively participate in Council and Planning Board meetings, as well as grassroots movements.
I believe in practical solutions, responsible governance, and keeping Bar Harbor a place we can all afford to call home. I’m not a politician—I’m a neighbor who gets things done. I’d be honored to earn your vote.
THE QUESTIONS
Why Am I Running?
I’m running for Town Council because I care deeply about our community and believe it’s time for responsible, transparent leadership. After attending countless meetings and writing letters that seemed to go unheard, I realized that to truly make a difference, I need to be at the table where decisions are made.
Like many of you, I’m concerned about how our town is managing its finances. Costs are rising, trash disposal alone is now approaching a million dollars and large sums of money are being allocated without enough community discussion or a clear sense of long-term priorities. We need a smarter approach to budgeting and one that ensures essential services are funded and taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and sustainably.
I'm also passionate about protecting our natural environment. Our ecosystem and local wildlife are increasingly under pressure from development, and I believe we can strike a better balance between growth and conservation.
I’m running because I believe in open dialogue, common-sense leadership, and preserving what makes our town special. I want to work with residents, not around them, to ensure our community remains a place we can all afford to call home.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
If I had to choose one local issue that matters most to me, it would be the council’s continued overspending and the very real impact it's having on the people who live here.
For several years now, I’ve watched our town’s budget grow without the kind of caution and planning that’s needed to protect residents. Like many of you, I’ve worked hard my whole life, saved for retirement, and lived within my means. But with the constant rise in taxes, I’ve had to dip into those savings just to keep up. That’s not just frustrating, it’s unsustainable.
This pattern of irresponsible spending affects so many in our community: seniors on fixed incomes, working families, renters, and those living near or below the poverty line. It’s creating a Bar Harbor where only the wealthy can afford to stay, while others who have deep roots here are being pushed out. And it’s just as hard for those who want to start their roots here. We should be attracting young families, not pricing them out.
There is a better way. We need leadership that values balance, lives within our means, and considers how every financial decision affects the people who call this town home. Everyone deserves to feel secure, supported, and heard, not just those with the biggest voices or bank accounts.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
Bar Harbor is naturally beautiful, and we all know how lucky we are to live here. But what many might not realize is how much power we, as everyday citizens, have in protecting this beauty. It’s easy to enjoy our forests, waters, and wildlife, but we also have a responsibility to care for and sustain the environment that makes Bar Harbor unique.
Each of us can make a difference whether it’s by voting for leaders who prioritize sustainability, serving on town committees, or simply making more mindful choices in our daily lives. We all play a part in preserving this place for future generations. The decisions we make today from how we manage growth to how we protect our natural resources will have a lasting impact.
In addition, we have community partners, local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses that share the same goals of environmental preservation and sustainability. By collaborating with these groups, we can amplify our efforts and create a stronger, more unified approach to protecting Bar Harbor’s natural resources. Together, we can lead by example and show that small actions, when combined, can create a big difference. It’s not just about appreciating the beauty around us; it’s about actively protecting it so that others can enjoy it for years to come.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
I believe that every person brings their own unique skills, life experiences, and perspectives, and diversity is one of the strongest assets any team can have. For me, my perspective is shaped not only by my life experiences but also by the fact that I live with a disability. My mind works differently, allowing me to approach problems creatively and find solutions that others might miss. I’m determined to put in the time and effort needed to tackle even the most complicated issues, because finding the right answers is always worth it.
Additionally, I know the power of collaboration. I understand that no one person has all the answers, but by bringing together people with expertise from diverse fields, we can solve complex problems more effectively. It’s about leveraging everyone’s strengths and working together to make the best decisions for our town.
I’m also passionate about the environment, and I’m running because I’m the only candidate focused on bringing strong, sustainable environmental leadership to the table. I believe we can protect our natural resources while still fostering a vibrant community, and that’s a balance I’m committed to finding.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
If I could make one change tomorrow, it would be to bring greater accountability and balance to the way we spend and plan. We need to take a serious look at our budget, make sure we're living within our means, and stop making financial decisions that place unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. Many in our community are struggling to keep up with rising taxes, and this is something that affects all of us.
At the same time, I would prioritize protecting our environment, which is at the core of what makes Bar Harbor such a special place. Too often, decisions are made without fully considering the long-term impacts on our land, water, and wildlife. Sustainability must be a guiding principle, not an afterthought.
Equally important is the need to bridge the gap between different members of our community, especially between business owners and residents. We’re all part of this town, and I believe we can find common ground by working together toward shared goals: a strong local economy, a protected environment, and a community where everyone feels heard and respected.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
When it comes to short-term rentals, I recognize that there’s a delicate balance. On the one hand, I believe VR1s can provide an important source of income for homeowners, particularly those in need of supplemental earnings. However, there are concerns that some owners may be taking advantage of this opportunity in ways that are detrimental to our community, contributing to the housing shortage and driving up costs for renters.
I’m not in favor of eliminating VR1s entirely, as they offer a vital financial resource for many residents. However, I do believe we need to put conditions in place to ensure that short-term rentals don’t harm our town’s long-term housing stability. One potential solution could be requiring that VR1 owners must reside on the property. This would help strike a balance, allowing for the economic benefits of short-term rentals while protecting the integrity of our local housing market.
Regarding affordable housing, I’ve been researching several innovative solutions that other towns have implemented successfully. For example, Belfast used Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to create an Affordable Housing TIF District, partnering with developers to secure funding for new units. Similarly, Ellsworth leveraged TIF for senior housing, and Lewiston repurposed an old mill for affordable housing. These collaborative, multifaceted approaches can work here as well.
Brunswick created the Affordable Housing Support Fund (AHSF), which helps provide grants for housing development projects aimed at increasing affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. By combining TIF districts, state and federal funding, and local collaboration, we can create new housing options that are truly affordable for our community.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
Having worked in a large hospital in compliance and quality control, I can appreciate the hospital’s perspective on managing resources and operating within budget constraints. However, that doesn’t mean I think the closure of the maternity wing is the right decision. If I were one of the mothers impacted by this, I would feel blindsided, and it’s unfortunate that there wasn’t more dialogue with the community and stakeholders before this decision was made.
The loss of maternity services is a significant blow to our community, particularly for women’s healthcare. The privatization of healthcare has been contributing to increased discord between institutions and the public, as decisions are often made without full consideration of the community’s needs.
While the town’s direct role in healthcare services is limited, we can and should be advocates for our community’s well-being. We must explore ways to ensure that essential healthcare services, like maternity care, remain accessible to all, whether through collaboration with the hospital, the state, or alternative healthcare providers. Open communication and proactive planning are key to protecting the health of our community.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
Do I think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? Not yet.
A truly thriving community is one where everyone, not just a few, has access to the essentials: safe and stable housing, affordable healthcare, healthy food, and meaningful economic opportunities. Right now, in Bar Harbor, too many people are being left behind.
While some are doing very well, others are struggling more than ever. We face excessive town spending, a serious lack of affordable housing, growing threats to our environment, and a rising cost of living that’s pushing out seniors, workers, and young families. These aren’t just inconveniences they’re barriers to well-being.
That said, there is a strong spirit of giving and caring in this town. We have local businesses that give back, community kitchens that help feed those in need, and neighbors who quietly step up for one another every day. That’s the heart of Bar Harbor, and it gives me hope.
But we can’t let that spirit carry the weight alone. We need leadership that lifts everyone, builds on that generosity, and makes sure the systems and policies behind our community are just as supportive as the people in it.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
We all recognize the important role nonprofits play in our community, from providing essential services to enriching our cultural and social fabric. However, it is simply not sustainable for the town to continue funding private or nonprofit entities to the extent that it is currently doing, especially when we are struggling to balance our budget and taxes are rising.
As much as I support nonprofits, we are not philanthropists with unlimited resources. We already contribute to these organizations through their annual appeals. We make those donations voluntarily and based on what we can afford, but it is unreasonable for the town to have to raise taxes to fund these operations, particularly when nonprofits don’t contribute to the tax base.
We need to live within our means, and if we’re looking at tax increases just to cover nonprofit contributions, it’s clear that we’re spending beyond our capacity. Nonprofits themselves must also put more effort into fundraising to support their missions, rather than relying on the town’s budget to cover operating costs.
One potential solution could be to implement a flat fee for nonprofits that is agreed upon by the town. This would give nonprofits some predictable funding while still helping us control our budget. Another approach would be to have an honest conversation with the community where individuals are heard, and where people can decide which organizations they want to donate to directly, rather than being required to fund them through taxes. After all, this is our money, and we should have more control over how it’s spent.
It’s also worth noting that taxes are not paid by nonprofits in Bar Harbor on a staggering $1,059,950,700 assessed value of property. That’s a significant amount of revenue that we’re missing out on, and it’s time for us to have a serious discussion about how we balance that with the needs of our community.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
Solid waste has been an ongoing challenge in Bar Harbor, and the reason we’ve struggled to reach a consensus is that it’s a complex issue with many competing interests. On one hand, we need to ensure that trash disposal remains affordable for residents, especially for seniors and families on fixed or lower incomes. On the other hand, businesses, who are also contributing to waste, are benefiting from the same system without necessarily paying their fair share. This has created a situation where the town is subsidizing business waste disposal, and residents are carrying the burden.
I’ve researched several coastal communities that have implemented a "pay-as-you-throw" system. In these towns, each household or business is charged based on the amount of waste they produce, which encourages waste reduction and recycling. These communities also work with waste management companies on contract agreements, helping to streamline costs and make the process more equitable.
Here in Bar Harbor, our trash disposal fee has exceeded a million dollars. This cost is growing, and it’s unfair for the town to continue subsidizing businesses while the financial burden falls disproportionately on residents. It’s time for a fairer system where we all pay for what we dispose of whether it's a resident or a business. This will help ensure that the cost of waste management is shared more equitably, reduce the strain on taxpayers, and promote more sustainable practices for everyone.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
Trust and transparency are vital in local government, and we can certainly do better in Bar Harbor. One area to focus on is how boards are formed. Appointments should be based on expertise, not personal preferences. When knowledgeable individuals are blocked from serving, it damages trust and limits the effectiveness of our boards.
We need diverse perspectives on our boards to ensure balanced decision-making and better accountability. Transparency is key. Residents need to feel confident that decisions are made with their best interests in mind and that town resources are spent responsibly.
Building trust starts with leadership being open, accountable, and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
ONE-YEAR TERM
ONE SEAT AVAILABLE
Running for this seat are David Kief and Nina St. Germain.
DAVID KIEF
I was born and raised in Bar Harbor and graduated from MDIHS in 1977. After exploring other parts of the country, I returned to the island in my early 20s, got married, built my house, and had 2 children.
I have held many jobs that have given me a variety of life experiences. I was a paperboy, waiter, tour boat operator on a deep sea fishing boat, and dishwasher. When tourism ended in the fall, I made snow at Sugarloaf, worked for North American Van Lines, built houses in Florida, and tended a yacht in Antigua.
My favorite jobs were on the water and I earned my Captain’s License which resulted in working in the fishing trade, gill netting, fish dragging, scallop diver tending, and stern man lobstering.
My first steady job was boat building at Wilburs in Manset. I quickly realized to be able to afford a home on this island, I was going to have to build my own house. I worked for a contractor for a few years to learn the trade, then went out on my own.
Growing up on the island and raising my children here, instilled a love of hiking and the outdoors. Both children moved to large cities after graduation. My daughter has already moved back because there is no place like the island and my son is hoping to move closer in the next couple years. A lot of their high school friends have also migrated back.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
I am semi retired and now that my daughter has moved back to BH and is having difficulty finding a house to buy, it has spurned my interest in the issues that plague this beautiful town.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
There is never one local issue that matters most. It is a lot of issues that are intertwined and affect each other. These cannot be narrowed down to one issue. Housing, Taxes, OB closing are top of the list.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
Talking to some of the repeats that we have at our weekly rental that have been coming here for decades, express their attachment to the Island, it reaffirms my appreciation for my home. Sometimes it is easy to take our island for granted. Those conversations always seem to refresh my commitment to trying to make this a better place to live.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
I am not going to be so bold to think I have a unique skill set that no one else possesses. Everyone has something to offer as far as attributes that could be useful to the council. I might emphasize that if their heart is in the right place.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
Bring the level of discourse down. We have been a town divided for far too long. I am not sure that can be achieved as long as money is the leading motivator.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
I have a duplex that I have owned for 21 years which provides 2 year round housing units with very long term tenants. When my parents passed, I bought my sisters out of their share of the house we grew up in and it is now a short term rental. Both are beneficial especially since the short term rental provides housing for my daughter in the off season so she doesn’t have to put up with us all winter. The affordable housing crisis seems to be everywhere and I am hopeful that continued partnerships like Island Housing Trust will bring more units to the island.
Some of the increase in short term rentals can be attributed to the rise of the cost of living here. Taxes have gone up far beyond inflation. A lot of residents are renting to retain a foothold here. A lot of affordable housing was purchased years ago before the surge of the short term rentals to house employees for the tourist industry.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
I have first hand experience racing to Bangor with my wife in labor and being stopped for speeding in Brewer. My second child was born at MDIH. I know it means a lot to people to be born on this island but OB closing is a hospital decision and I am not sure the town has any power over. The town does not play a role in what services the hospital offers. They have to make hard decisions about what they can offer in order to ensure they keep the doors open. I am sure the OB closure weighed heavily on Administration. Ellsworth is projected to deliver 300 babies in 2025, which leads you to believe it is all about affordable housing for young families.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
I think it is a thriving destination tourist town. I don’t think it is necessarily a thriving community. We lack affordable housing which is the essence of a thriving community. Losing the OB department will have young families reconsider moving here.
The hospital and library are expanding, the school is being replaced, and I read the YMCA was receiving a grant for an expansion. Bar Harbor meets most of the requirements, but citizens needs are not being met. We have access to education, employment, our town is safe and we have a lot of tourism. I don’t think we live in a community that feels fully connected, engaged and valued. Lately the climate in town isn’t what it could be or should be and certainly not what it has been in the past.
Bar Harbor is a thriving tourist town. A thriving community does not suffer the growing pains we are enduring, housing, taxes, etc. Our community is shrinking and now we will have no OB department.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
I am unfamiliar with the application process at this time, so I can’t speak about that. I do believe non profits asking for money should disclose specifically what the money will be used for. The taxpayer deserves to know what their tax dollars are paying for.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
There have been talks about doing per bag or tonnage for companies shipping waste. On paper it seems like a really good idea, but we have to consider the necessity to improve infrastructure so we can have a set of scales maintained by employees and this would result in hiring more people….is it a wash or does it save the town money?
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
When the residents vote for something, go to the mat for them. Should board members really be voting on issues that they are personally connected to?
NINA ST.GERMAIN
While her first love is writing fiction, Nina Barufaldi St.Germain, a longtime Bar Harbor resident and mother of three, brings a grounded, entrepreneurial spirit to community life. She currently serves as the HR department for Jack Russells, Inc., operates a vacation rental from her home, and teaches creative writing online.
Nina is an active volunteer with the University of Southern Maine and previously spent many years volunteering with the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Her experience spans parenting, small business ownership, arts education, and community outreach. Across all of these roles, she has worked to strengthen her family, support local government and enterprises, and contribute to Bar Harbor’s cultural and economic vitality.
Whether mentoring students or managing guest experiences, Nina understands the delicate balance between preserving Bar Harbor’s unique character and embracing thoughtful, sustainable growth. Her background in writing has shaped her into a close listener, creative thinker, and clear communicator; skills she hopes to bring to the Town Council.
If elected, Nina is excited to share her energy, optimism, and collaborative spirit with the Bar Harbor community. She believes in blameless common-sense solutions, positive leadership, and building a town that works for everyone—residents, workers, and visitors alike.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running?
That’s the big question. I'm running because I’m a different kind of candidate- I don’t fit neatly into a box. In almost every circle I’m part of, I’m accused of being on “the other side.” My liberal friends think I’m conservative. My conservative friends think I’m liberal. The truth is, I don’t see the world in black and white. I believe in nuance, in listening carefully, and in making decisions based on what’s best for the community—not what fits a party line. I value real dialogue over division, and I think Bar Harbor deserves leadership that reflects that. I want to bring people together to solve problems with practical, thoughtful solutions that honor the complexity of this town and the people who call it home.
There are a lot of issues currently that people talk about in Bar Harbor. But, if you had one local issue that matters to you more than any other, what would it be and why?
Housing. In 2015 I was working for the Town of Bar Harbor gathering public input, and we determined that housing was our biggest issue. That was 10 years ago. We have limited vacation rentals but we haven’t made the land use changes that will really encourage younger families to move here.
What is something you love about Bar Harbor that people might not notice enough?
Our town has so much vitality and determination We have natural beauty, prosperity, diversity, safety, and amazing people. We have it all. On any given day, you might hear several different languages spoken downtown, then pass someone chopping wood on Eagle Lake Road. It’s a mix of artists, fishermen, scientists, businesses, and seasonal workers, and somehow it works. There’s a determined resilience here…people who keep things running behind the scenes. That spirit isn’t always visible to visitors, or even to locals who’ve lived here a long time, but it’s there, holding everything together.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think only you can bring?
As a middle child, I’ve been mediating and translating between people for as long as I can remember. I know how to listen without taking sides, how to look for common ground, and how to help people feel heard—even when they disagree. That’s a skill I carry into every room I enter.
I’m also what you might call a crossover candidate. I don’t belong to any one camp. I move between different circles in this town—small business owners, working families, artists, volunteers, retirees—and I see how connected we all are, even when we forget it. Because I live in those intersections, I understand the tension and the possibility between them.
If you could make one change to Bar Harbor tomorrow, what would it be?
I would incentivize residential housing density–decrease area per family calculations, increase height limits, and increase lot coverage allowances. But if that is not one thing, then I would allow multifamily housing everywhere to encourage young families to move here and fill up our school which we voted for. We collectively voted for kids. This is one of our greatest common values.
What is your stance on short-term rentals, specifically now that VR2s are capped and decreasing while VR1s are on the rise? Do you have general thoughts about any potential ways to increase affordable housing in the area?
I think it’s time to stop the vacation rental discussion and focus on housing that will encourage young people to move here. That’s smaller homes–condos, apartments, and rentals.
With the hospital’s recent announcement of its closure of its maternity wing, what are your thoughts about healthcare and any links to the town’s role (if any) in ensuring that services continue?
I trust that MDI Hospital understands the needs of Bar Harbor and their own commitment to high-quality care. It is sad to know that the maternity wing is closing this summer for good. My mother is a long-time labor and delivery nurse down the coast and I’ve been hearing about the struggles of OB units throughout Maine for the last 20 years. In many ways, I am impressed that MDI Hospital has held on this long given the tremendous resources required to maintain maternity care with declining births.
Do you think Bar Harbor is a thriving community? How would you define that?
Yes. Absolutely. We have a bounty of natural and human resources and with some effort, we can ensure that kiddos can grow up here and attend our Blue Ribbon school.
This year the town stands to give almost $500,000 to two nonprofit entities (the Jesup and the YMCA). Do you agree with the current application process for nonprofits? If not, what would you change? Is there anything you would change about the budget process itself?
Both the Jesup and the YMCA provide essential services to the community, and I believe it’s important that we acknowledge that not just in words, but in funding. That said, I think the current process lacks structure. Right now, there's no cap or guiding formula for how much we give, which can make the process feel inconsistent and overly subjective.
I’d like to see the Town develop a clearer, more transparent funding framework that is tied to a percentage of the overall budget. That would allow us to plan more responsibly year to year, and it would give nonprofits a better sense of what to expect because we need a system that’s fair, predictable, and fiscally responsible to taxpayers.
Bar Harbor’s been recently talking about solid waste issues. Do you have thoughts about changes to that?
I’d love to see Bar Harbor’s recycling efforts focus more on food waste. It’s one of the biggest contributors to our local waste stream, and tackling it would make a real, measurable impact. Whether that’s through composting programs, partnerships with local farms, or incentives for residents and businesses to divert organic waste. I’d like to see us get more proactive, especially when it comes to reducing what ends up in the bin in the first place. Food waste is a place where we can lead.
How would you try to create more trust and transparency between people and the town?
I think residents, myself included, have a hard time conceptualizing how their tax dollars are spent. This is a property tax receipt from Shakopee, WI that I love because it details how the individual taxpayer participates in the overall budget. This type of clarity and communication lends itself to increased awareness and understanding of government.
If people are interested in how I think and what I think about, they can visit https://barharbor365.substack.com/t/bar-harbor (this is the specific Bar Harbor section of my writing newsletter).
UPDATE: At Earl Brechlin’s request, we have changed his bio at 1:18 p.m., April 27.
Follow us on Facebook. And as a reminder, you can easily view all our past stories and press releases here.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here (about how you can give) or here (a direct link), which is the same as the button below.
If you’d like to sponsor the Bar Harbor Story, you can! Learn more here.
Yes, Mr. Jennings, Carrie Jones, in a very pleasant way, pointed out my huge mistake. If you go through the comments, you will find my humble apology for my carelessness.
However, I am glad you spoke up , and pointed out Carrie’s many contributions to our community. She deserves a lot of credit for bringing more information to all on the Island.
Lincoln Millstein started his blog 6?7? More? years ago, and his remarkable investigative reporting filled a dearth of information in not only town and Island issues , but further afield. My husband and I were full time residents of BH then, and we really appreciated his reporting and analysis. My husband is now deceased, and I am now an enthusiastic yearly visitor to all our old haunts on the Island.
I was also pleased that Mr. Millstein was complimentary
about the Bar Harbor Story, and encouraged people to read it.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I am no longer a year round resident of Bar Harbor, so I will not be voting. But, my husband and I lived for many years in the lovely land of Eden. And we , like so many others , volunteered much of our personal time to keep BH a viable place for the year round people to live and work.
Lincoln Millstein has now provided an extensive interview review of each candidate . This is a service I have never seen before , and it provides highly useful information for voters to make a choice for the candidates who will best serve Bar Harbor.
I wish Bar Harbor citizens the best of luck in selecting their future Town Councilors who could be instrumental in prioritizing the needs of year round residents, not big corporate interests.