Prepping for the primary: Acton voters decide (June 5, 2008)
Posted by Register Editor at 6/5/2008 3:39 PM and is filed under Renee Worthing,Acton,Zoning and Planning,Election 2008 
By Renee Worthing
Staff Writer
As Acton residents head to the polls June 10 for the primary election, they will face two referendums that address zoning as well as election of two selectman.
Question one asks, “Shall an amendment to the Acton Zoning Ordinance, which includes changes to Sections 1 through 5, dated April 18, 2008, and a new Official Zoning Map, dated March 13, 2008, be adopted?”
The amendment eliminates the general-purpose district and creates several districts, including three commercial districts.
Commercial A District (service business) allows service, tourist-oriented and small commercial businesses.
Commercial B District (low water impact), is designed to service the lakes and numerous summer residents. This district will also be protected with additional environmental safeguards related to water usage, impervious surfaces and phosphorous control measures.
Commercial C District (limited industrial) designed to allow commercial/light industrial uses.
The amendment also includes a village district, which allows mixed uses, greater density and unlimited growth.
The transition district is designed as a transition zone to accommodate growth between the village district and the rural district, but at a lower density than the village district.
The rural district is designed for larger residential lot sizes and limited growth in a manner which preserves the rural character of the community.
The critical rural district is designed to preserve important natural resources within watershed boundaries and large undeveloped areas surrounding undeveloped great ponds.
The mixed use district is intended to preserve the existing New England village character to include a mixture of commercial and residential uses.
Question 2 asks, “Shall an Ordinance entitled ‘Site Plan Review Ordinance,’ dated April 16, 2008 be adopted?”
The site plan review ordinance is intended to protect the public health and safety, promote the general welfare of the community and conserve the environment. It seeks to assure that nonresidential and multi-family construction is designed and developed that assures adequate provisions are made for traffic safety, emergency access, water supply, sewage disposal, management of storm water, erosion and sedimentation, protection of the groundwater, protection of the environment, wildlife habitat, fisheries and natural areas, protection of historic and archaeological resources, minimizing the adverse impacts on adjacent properties and fitting the project into the fabric of the community, according to the draft document.
Race for selectman seat
In the selectman race, Anthony Cogliandro and Debra Rix are vying for Richard Neal’s three-year position as selectman.
Anthony Cogliandro
Candidate’s Statement: “My name is Tony Cogliandro and I am running for selectman for Acton. I have recently finished a term running from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007. I run with no agenda accept to provide the town with good, honest and strong leadership.
While in office I fought for Acton’s tax rates to go down and they did for the first time in its history for three years in a row. I will continue being a watchdog for the citizens of this town to keep spending under control, while maintaining current services.
During my term I revamped Acton’s Transfer Station, pushing recycling and hiring new employees – we now have one of the few stations in the state of Maine with no fees. I have a good working relationship with all town departments and committees. I support the school department, fire department, ambulance association, road commissioners and work closely with all offices in the town hall. I wish to help protect Acton’s rural and agricultural way of life. I live with my wife, Brendalee and son, Andrew who is an eighth grade student at Acton Elementary. We are currently in the process of turning our property in to a full-fledged livestock farm. My wife will also be starting a sanctuary for abused and unwanted pets of all types. We’re living our dream of a rural life style in Acton.
“I have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and education from Brandeis University, I am a 34-year martial artist currently holding a ninth-degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate and run a karate school in Sanford www.akikenpo.com. I am also the president of Krane Ratings, Inc, which promotes martial arts events www.krane.org. I also work part time as an insurance inspector for Underwriters Inspection. I have been a leader my entire life and wish to serve this town with integrity. I have the utmost respect for the laws of the state of Maine and the ordinances put in place by the people of Acton; I will make sure that none of them are broken and the people’s wishes be enacted.”
Debra Rix
Candidate Statement: “I believe that I can be a positive influence in helping Acton to adapt and change to meet the needs of all the residents in our community. With today’s challenging economic picture, it is imperative that Acton’s leaders step up and address all the issues, set policies and procedures that are fair and consistent with general business principles and create a realistic operating budget for both the town and the school. By gaining control of our assessing procedures and program we can better project our financial needs.
“We have a diverse community with varying needs and issues. Not only is it necessary to meet the needs of our young children in providing the best possible education and opportunities, we also need to provide services and address issues for our retirees, “snowbirds”, working couples and single parents. By streamlining our basic administrative procedures and working efficiently we can expand our assistance to all the residents.
“Acton has a fire and rescue crew second to none, an outstanding elementary school and not one but two alternative schools. We enjoy a rural and agricultural atmosphere and are blessed with many lakes and ponds. All this and yet we are only minutes away from necessary services and shopping. In order to maintain our picturesque town we need to stay on top of our zoning ordinances and comprehensive plan.
After working in accounting for over 25 years and assisting businesses and municipalities with creating an efficient and user-friendly system, I believe that I can help Acton move forward and prepare for the future while keeping our “small-town” environment.
Acton school committee seats
Two three-year seats are open on the Acton School Committee. Voters have their choice of two of three candidates – Ted Kryzak, Richard Michaud and Judy Shain. Mary Stanton is running unopposed for a one-year position on the school committee.
Staff Writer
As Acton residents head to the polls June 10 for the primary election, they will face two referendums that address zoning as well as election of two selectman.
Question one asks, “Shall an amendment to the Acton Zoning Ordinance, which includes changes to Sections 1 through 5, dated April 18, 2008, and a new Official Zoning Map, dated March 13, 2008, be adopted?”
The amendment eliminates the general-purpose district and creates several districts, including three commercial districts.
Commercial A District (service business) allows service, tourist-oriented and small commercial businesses.
Commercial B District (low water impact), is designed to service the lakes and numerous summer residents. This district will also be protected with additional environmental safeguards related to water usage, impervious surfaces and phosphorous control measures.
Commercial C District (limited industrial) designed to allow commercial/light industrial uses.
The amendment also includes a village district, which allows mixed uses, greater density and unlimited growth.
The transition district is designed as a transition zone to accommodate growth between the village district and the rural district, but at a lower density than the village district.
The rural district is designed for larger residential lot sizes and limited growth in a manner which preserves the rural character of the community.
The critical rural district is designed to preserve important natural resources within watershed boundaries and large undeveloped areas surrounding undeveloped great ponds.
The mixed use district is intended to preserve the existing New England village character to include a mixture of commercial and residential uses.
Question 2 asks, “Shall an Ordinance entitled ‘Site Plan Review Ordinance,’ dated April 16, 2008 be adopted?”
The site plan review ordinance is intended to protect the public health and safety, promote the general welfare of the community and conserve the environment. It seeks to assure that nonresidential and multi-family construction is designed and developed that assures adequate provisions are made for traffic safety, emergency access, water supply, sewage disposal, management of storm water, erosion and sedimentation, protection of the groundwater, protection of the environment, wildlife habitat, fisheries and natural areas, protection of historic and archaeological resources, minimizing the adverse impacts on adjacent properties and fitting the project into the fabric of the community, according to the draft document.
Race for selectman seat
In the selectman race, Anthony Cogliandro and Debra Rix are vying for Richard Neal’s three-year position as selectman.
Anthony Cogliandro
Candidate’s Statement: “My name is Tony Cogliandro and I am running for selectman for Acton. I have recently finished a term running from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007. I run with no agenda accept to provide the town with good, honest and strong leadership.
While in office I fought for Acton’s tax rates to go down and they did for the first time in its history for three years in a row. I will continue being a watchdog for the citizens of this town to keep spending under control, while maintaining current services.
During my term I revamped Acton’s Transfer Station, pushing recycling and hiring new employees – we now have one of the few stations in the state of Maine with no fees. I have a good working relationship with all town departments and committees. I support the school department, fire department, ambulance association, road commissioners and work closely with all offices in the town hall. I wish to help protect Acton’s rural and agricultural way of life. I live with my wife, Brendalee and son, Andrew who is an eighth grade student at Acton Elementary. We are currently in the process of turning our property in to a full-fledged livestock farm. My wife will also be starting a sanctuary for abused and unwanted pets of all types. We’re living our dream of a rural life style in Acton.
“I have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and education from Brandeis University, I am a 34-year martial artist currently holding a ninth-degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate and run a karate school in Sanford www.akikenpo.com. I am also the president of Krane Ratings, Inc, which promotes martial arts events www.krane.org. I also work part time as an insurance inspector for Underwriters Inspection. I have been a leader my entire life and wish to serve this town with integrity. I have the utmost respect for the laws of the state of Maine and the ordinances put in place by the people of Acton; I will make sure that none of them are broken and the people’s wishes be enacted.”
Debra Rix
Candidate Statement: “I believe that I can be a positive influence in helping Acton to adapt and change to meet the needs of all the residents in our community. With today’s challenging economic picture, it is imperative that Acton’s leaders step up and address all the issues, set policies and procedures that are fair and consistent with general business principles and create a realistic operating budget for both the town and the school. By gaining control of our assessing procedures and program we can better project our financial needs.
“We have a diverse community with varying needs and issues. Not only is it necessary to meet the needs of our young children in providing the best possible education and opportunities, we also need to provide services and address issues for our retirees, “snowbirds”, working couples and single parents. By streamlining our basic administrative procedures and working efficiently we can expand our assistance to all the residents.
“Acton has a fire and rescue crew second to none, an outstanding elementary school and not one but two alternative schools. We enjoy a rural and agricultural atmosphere and are blessed with many lakes and ponds. All this and yet we are only minutes away from necessary services and shopping. In order to maintain our picturesque town we need to stay on top of our zoning ordinances and comprehensive plan.
After working in accounting for over 25 years and assisting businesses and municipalities with creating an efficient and user-friendly system, I believe that I can help Acton move forward and prepare for the future while keeping our “small-town” environment.
Acton school committee seats
Two three-year seats are open on the Acton School Committee. Voters have their choice of two of three candidates – Ted Kryzak, Richard Michaud and Judy Shain. Mary Stanton is running unopposed for a one-year position on the school committee.
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