Meet The Candidates - October 14th, 2025
2025 Meet the Candidates poster, designed by Rachel Yves and featuring “The Singing Flag” painting by Joy Halstead. The painting was donated to the City of Ellsworth by Richard & Hellen Dudman and is part of the city's permanent art collection on view at Ellsworth City Hall.
A NIGHT OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY
Ellsworth’s civic spirit will take center stage at The Grand Theater on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as residents gather for the sixth annual Meet the Candidates forum.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., this free community event offers a chance to hear directly from the seven individuals running for Ellsworth City Council and to connect with the issues shaping our city’s future.
If you cannot make it downtown, the event will be livestreamed and recorded on the City of Ellsworth’s YouTube channel so everyone can tune in.
Presented by Heart of Ellsworth in partnership with The Ellsworth American and the City of Ellsworth, this annual nonpartisan event was created to bring residents and candidates together for open and thoughtful dialogue.
“This forum provides a valuable opportunity for residents to engage in local democracy, whether attending in person or participating from home,” said Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano. “We are thrilled to partner once again with The City of Ellsworth and The Ellsworth American, with Managing Editor Cyndi Wood serving as moderator.”
Who You’ll Hear From
All candidates running for a seat on the Ellsworth City Council are encouraged to participate! The seven candidates running are: Earl Awalt, Timothy Carter, John Linnehan, Eric Marichal, Carol P. Martineau, Patrick Shea, Marinna Smith
Community members are encouraged to help shape the conversation by submitting questions in advance via email to news@ellsworthamerican.com.
Why It Matters
Events like this remind us that democracy starts at home. By showing up in person or joining online, Ellsworth residents can help shape the decisions that affect our schools, streets, and shared spaces. Local government works best when everyone has a voice.
Heart of Ellsworth achieved Main Street America designation in September 2024, becoming Maine’s 11th nationally accredited program. The organization aims to enhance economic, artistic, cultural, educational, historical, and environmental initiatives within the downtown area, fostering a vibrant community for residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local government.
For more information about the event, contact cara@heartofellsworth.com or visit the event page: Meet the Candidates Event Page on the Heart of Ellsworth website at www.heartofellsworth.org.