Three candidates for Cumberland Town Council outlined priorities including open-space preservation, fiscal restraint and inclusive representation ahead of the June 10 election.

Mike Eads, a candidate for reelection to Cumberland Town Council, said he is seeking what would be his fifth term and emphasized the town’s preserved lands and his record on budgets. “I'm running for reelection for Cumberland town council. This would, hopefully be my fifth term,” Eads said. He cited purchases the town has made during his tenure, including the Town Beach and additions to Knight’s Pond, Rhine’s Forest and Greeley Woods, and said most budgets passed while he has served increased by “3% increase or less.”

Jeffrey Michalek, who said he is running to represent West Cumberland for a two-year term, described his background in public works and as a manager in the private sector and said he wants to “balance providing our children with good education and having good recreational facilities and good roads and public safety” while preserving long-term residents from being priced out of town. “Some of my goals and visions for the town are really a balance, but also some transparency,” Michalek said, noting the need to weigh services against property tax impacts for longstanding residents.

Anne Maximovich, a candidate who said she previously served six years on the MSAD 51 board of directors, framed her campaign around bringing clinical social-work skills to the council and ensuring residents who “may not have the same advantages” feel welcome and supported in Cumberland. “I think that I can bring my clinical skills to town council,” Maximovich said, adding that she wants to “ensure that we are welcoming, that everyone knows that they're getting their needs met.”

The three candidates stressed slightly different emphases: Eads focused on land preservation and a record of small budget increases; Michalek stressed balancing services and tax affordability with an emphasis on transparency; and Maximovich emphasized social services, inclusion and outreach to vulnerable residents. All three asked voters for support in the June 10 election.

No formal motions or council actions were taken during these remarks; the transcript records candidate statements only.