By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES—Once every three years, there is only one seat, instead of two, open on the Naples Select Board. 

This year, Bob Caron II, the person who held that position for nine years in a row, decided not to take out nomination papers. 

Two Naples residents did take out papers. Neither William Adams, Jr., or Jennifer Kenneally have served as selectmen before. However, Adams has family ties to local politics. Also, he volunteers his time for various civic groups. Kenneally has volunteered for town committees such as Recreation and Activities Committee, and the Community Center Exploratory Committee. 

The Town of Naples will hold its Election for local boards during the school budget referendum on Tuesday.

The candidates took some time to answer questions so that The Bridgton Newsreaders could learn a little bit more about their viewpoints. 

B-News: What made you to decide to run for the selectman seat?

Adams: I have been living in this town my entire life and I have seen its good and bad days. I decided to run for this position of selectman, when I felt the town was losing its way, in more ways than one way. We need a clear plan for our town’s families and future families. Right now, we are very reactive instead of being proactive. I am very much for equal treatment of all of Naples residents and businesses. I feel and see that this is not always the case. The town needs to embrace the thought process of “What will benefit the town and its future?” and “Being Equal, Fair and Consistent.” 

Kenneally: I have been serving on several committees and when I heard Bob Caron wasn’t running again I knew this was the right time, right place. Some of the committees include Edes Falls committee, Recreation committee, and Community Center and Town Office Exploratory committee, just to name a few.

B-News: What ordinance or ordinance amendment does the Town of Naples most need?

Adams: I personally don’t see the need for these new amendments and changes. I think we are putting the cart before the horse. We need a Town Charter first and foremost! We keep putting “Band-Aids” and/or temporary fixes on pressing items. We need a clear path, and we need clear guidelines set up to make sure we are true to the town and what our residents want and need! 

Kenneally: I would like to see more work with North Star Planning. Their goal is to help communities chart their own path toward creating and sustaining the places that make New England a special place. Change and growth is inevitable BUT if we can do it wisely and planned out, we can have “Smart Growth” in Naples. 

B-News: What are some important things to address as the town faces future solar energy development?

Adams: I feel we just need to listen to the townspeople. We do not ask for enough input from the townspeople. We also cannot forget these solar farms are also being put in by residents, so their voices count as well. Solar is going to be a big part of this state’s future and we should have input from the townspeople. The town can make sure that protocols and guidelines are set in place.

Kenneally: Article 13 addresses many of the concerns regarding solar energy development. I hope it passes so that there can be accountability and actionable items for companies that want to bring Solar Energy to Naples. 

B-News: The bond for the proposed town hall and community center will be on the ballot during the November Election. Should town officials take on the role of educating the public about this referendum question?

Adams: The need for the gym to be fixed is very well known. Now a brand-new town hall/community center, does that fix the gym issue? Yes. Was that what we tasked a committee to come up with? No. We asked them to give us options, so far they have given us an “Option” not “Options.” We, once again, need more town input and we did not get that. Townspeople need to feel their input and concerns are heard. Many people in town are still suffering from the wake of Covid and other world issues. Spending/Borrowing large amounts, needs to be weighed and discussed very carefully.

Kenneally: I served on the TownHall/Community Center exploratory committee. We have put a lot of time and effort into the committee. The selectboard has recently approved the referendum to go on the ballot in the November election. Yes, the town officials have taken (and should continue) to take on the role of educating our community members about the referendum. 

Below is the latest update regarding the Community Center and Town Office: “The Naples Select Board formed a committee tasked with exploring a new Community Center and Town Office. This decision followed significant research to replace the gym roof which is in disrepair. It was determined that replacing the existing roof with an appropriate structure to prevent future leaking conditions (a pitched roof) was impossible due to the current building construction. In addition, an engineering study determined that the construction standards have changed since the gym was built. Therefore, supporting wall structure would need to be added to meet the snow load requirements of today. When considering the overall age of the building, now over 75 years old, the Select Board requested a full assessment to help determine a direction for the building as a whole. A link to that engineering report can be found below. It presented no surprises in that the mechanical systems of the Town Office are all reaching ‘end-of-life’ and will need replacement sooner than later. This, of course, triggers the debate of investing in the future. The most concerning issue about this proposal, naturally, is going to be the overall cost. With today's elevated construction costs, the price tag has justifiably caused sticker shock. However, the committee continues to look at ways to ensure that what is being proposed will be the best, reasonably priced building for the community that will last the next 75 to 100 years. The Select Board has also asked for alternatives to replacing the whole building and will also be looking at just replacing the gymnasium. While certainly an option worth consideration, it is essential to note that all mechanical systems, as stated previously, are located in the town office portion of the existing building.”