There is only one contested race on the June 9 ballot for Raymond Select Board and that is to fill the remaining one-year term of a seat previously held by Denis Morse.
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| Candidates Char Jewell, left, and Denis Morse are vying for a one-year term on the Raymond Select Board during the town's municipal election on June 9. SUBMITTED PHOTOS |
Members of the Raymond Select Board serve as the elected executive and legislative branch of the town and their core responsibilities include passing municipal ordinances, managing town finances, overseeing municipal property and personnel, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents. Primary duties of Select Board members include town manager oversight; appointing committee members; local licensing authority for liquor, amusement, and victualer licenses; developing the annual municipal budget and presenting warrant articles for voter approval at Town Meetings every year; oversight of town-owned properties, roads, and public works initiatives; oversight of property valuations and tax commitments; drafting and amending town ordinances; and publishing the warrants for items presented to voters at annual and special town meetings.
Voting in the election will be on June 9 at Jordan-Small Middle school in Raymond.
CHARLOTTE JEWELL
Charlotte Jewell, 54, a Vice President of Human Resources, Safety & Compliance, is seeking to fill the one-year term on the Select Board. She previously served on the RSU 14 Board of Directors from 2021 to 2025.
What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?
“Restore confidence in town government. In recent years, unnecessary distractions and financial strain have taken focus away from effective governance. As a member of the Select Board, I will ensure that leadership strictly adheres to the Code of Ethics and actively pursues training to strengthen governance practices and decision-making. Professionalism, accountability and transparency are the cornerstones of a well-run municipality, and I will work to reestablish those standards for the benefit of our community.”
Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
“I have lived in this town my entire life, and my family has called Raymond home since the early 1800s. For generations – my family – Knight, Harmon, Hartley, and Lester – we have believed in giving back to the community that has given us so much. I have remained actively involved in the town, including my time serving on the School Board and Planning Board and I feel a strong responsibility to continue that service. Now is the right time for me to step forward and contribute at the Select Board level. If elected, my primary goal is to foster a collaborative, well-informed Board that works as a team to make thoughtful, effective decisions. This includes encouraging and participating in ongoing education to strengthen governance and ensure we are acting in the best interest of the community. In recent years, the Board has lost members with significant institutional knowledge. As a result, we must be intentional about rebuilding that foundation so we can move forward effectively and responsibly.”
“My priorities for Raymond center on balancing affordability, essential services, and thoughtful long-term planning. As our town grows, we must decide whether to preserve our current character or invest in carefully managed growth – and ensure our budget reflects that vision. I will prioritize transparency in how decisions are made and how tax dollars are spent, so residents clearly understand trade-offs between needs and wants. Supporting core services such as Fire & Rescue, Public Works, and community resources is critical, along with addressing workforce challenges to attract and retain skilled employees. I also see strong resident engagement as essential – ensuring more voices are involved in shaping Raymond’s future. Thoughtful planning, including the use of tools like the TIF district, will help protect taxpayers while supporting sustainable growth. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure Raymond remains a strong, responsive, and financially responsible community for all residents.”
What is your definition of teamwork and what makes you a great team player?
“Teamwork depends on trust. Everyone brings different perspectives and priorities but without trust, it is difficult to compromise and move forward on shared goals. Effective teamwork also requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen and adapt. Strong teams focus on what is best for the community, not individual agendas, and work collaboratively to reach thoughtful decisions. I am a strong team player because I value collaboration and continuous learning. I encourage input from others, approach challenges with an open mind, and focus on finding common ground. My goal is to contribute to a respectful, productive environment where the board can work together to make informed, balanced decisions that best serve the residents of Raymond.”
What are your ideas for improvements for the Raymond Board of Selectmen?
“I believe there are several opportunities to strengthen the Raymond Board of Selectmen through improved communication, collaboration, and long-term planning. The Board should focus on transparency – ensuring residents clearly understand decisions, priorities, and budget trade-offs. Increasing resident engagement is also critical. Encouraging broader participation in committees and town initiatives will help ensure more perspectives are considered in shaping Raymond’s future. Internally, the Board can benefit from continued education and a stronger team-based approach to decision-making, especially as it works to rebuild institutional knowledge. Finally, a consistent focus on balancing essential services with affordability will help guide responsible growth while protecting taxpayers. My goal is to help create a board that is collaborative, informed, and responsive to the needs of the community.”
DENIS A. MORSE
Denis A. Morse, 72, a self-employed property management/owner's agent, is seeking to fill the one-year term on the Select Board. He previously served on the Select Board for 18 months, was a member of the Raymond Budget/Finance Committee for three years, Raymond Fire Chief for 12 years, and Portland Firefighters Association President for 13 years.
What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?
“Fiscal responsibility! The surplus (Undesignated Fund Balance) is shrinking and couldn’t be used to reduce our tax rate last year. The inflation is still rising, causing more stress on the homeowners while the pending re-evaluation is wrapping up which will be affecting October’s tax bill. These increases are worrisome to all citizens and there needs to be some focus on eliminating waste and on investigating more efficient ways to provide services.”
Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
“I would like to finish my term that I was elected in June of 2024 and return to the projects I spoke on during the Board’s individual stated goals at that time, as well as working to ensure no one is taxed out of their homes.”
What are your priorities for the town and how will it impact the residents of Raymond?
“In addition to financial accountability, I want to push for more citizen’s engagement in our town. After the Recall, no one new showed up to run for elected office. Even the Board meetings saw a drop in viewers. For three years citizens were running for elected positions and no seats went vacant. The only challenged seat is this one and one of the Budget/Finance Committee which had not one interested candidate at all. If we are to become a great community, a diverse group of citizens need to be attracted, old and young for the good of all.”
What is your definition of teamwork and what makes you a great team player?
“Each member listening to the other members with the focus on the established goals as decided by the team. Most importantly shared respect for all viewpoints, while never asking or expecting anyone to work harder than you are willing to work yourself. An example of team building can best be given in my 10 years of coaching youth baseball and soccer, I never had a player quit because the team came first and buy in happened from the parents to the players by listening, supporting and appreciating everyone’s strengths and helping with our weaknesses.”
What are your ideas for improvements for the Raymond Board of Selectmen?
“Better communication and encouragement with our citizens. This hopefully would accomplish the engagement necessary to have appreciated volunteers, eager and willing candidates for all the positions elected and volunteers as well as building trust with all concerning funding the departments and projects. Citizens should feel welcome to attend our public meetings and have their concerns or position heard with respect given both ways.” <
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