This letter appeared in The Ellsworth American Oct. 9, 2026.
Residents of towns have a direct vote in decisions for their towns, but cities rely on elected councilors to do the voting. So in the city of Ellsworth, the councilors we elect are of critical importance.
For the two openings on the City Council this fall, we are fortunate to have two very qualified candidates who will continue the work of carrying Ellsworth into a brighter future: incumbent Councilor Nancy Smith and former Councilor Casey Hanson.
Rising prices of everything is the prevalent concern today. Nancy and Casey know that raising taxes to meet expenses is not the answer, especially to residents facing the same burden. They also know that a robust economy can help alleviate city expenses while also providing jobs, improved infrastructure, and better schools, parks and services that could make Ellsworth a great place to live.
Over the past five years turnover at city hall has dropped significantly, teamwork has improved, systems have been fixed that had long been broken, much needed road improvements have been made, city finances are now transparent and tax bills are going out on time. The outdated Comprehensive Plan has been updated and ordinances passed to implement it, particularly addressing the housing shortage. All available tools are in utilization to encourage economic growth without losing state funding or increasing the county tax burden.
To those who like the sound of this kind of governance, attention to solving problems and making Ellsworth a better place, please vote for Nancy and Casey on Nov. 3.
Lucy Leaf
Ellsworth