Five vie for two seats

Athol voters will decide Tuesday which of five candidates will fill two seats up for election on their city council.

Incumbent Joshua Spencer is being challenged by Lynn Cole for Seat 2.

Spencer, 40, was appointed to the city council about 18 months ago.

“I simply want to serve this community. Everyone that has ever lived in this town has contributed in some way to shaping Athol the way it is today,” he said. “The people here that have inspired me are the ones who have given their time and service freely and asked of nothing in return. I am putting myself forward for this office to contribute and follow in their footsteps.”

He claims more than 15 years of managerial and communications experience and owns his own business. He said he is running for the seat with no agenda.

“I have an unbiased opinion. I have no agenda other than to ensure that the people of Athol have a great community to live in,” he said.

Spencer said he has accomplished a lot during his short time in office, and he is eager to continue some of the work he has done.

“Last September I was fortunate enough to take part in the hiring of our new city clerk and treasurer Lori Yarborough,” he said. “She has been proven to be such a great asset to this community.”

When the city was a victim of embezzlement, Spencer said the city council worked diligently, engaging all resources, to ensure every issue was handled as professionally and efficiently as possible.

He said the city is also involved in rekindling and maintaining a working relationship with Panhandle Health.

“We look to vote on a newly-submitted sewage management agreement with them in the coming months,” he said. “This agreement focuses on detailed documentation and constructive maintenance of our current septic system, and relieves the city of much unwanted liability.”

He said the city is also discussing the possibility of an annexation.

“We have recently enlisted the services of Rand Wichman to help with the planning and zoning regarding the annexation,” Spencer said. “We look forward to the information and options he will provide to the city.”

The issue that remains most important to Spencer is the issue of “presence.”

“I will continue to implore everyone that lives here to voice their opinions and concerns,” he said. “Getting more and more people involved in the decision-making process is how I will judge my success as a city councilman.”

Spencer’s challenger, Lynn Cole, said she is running for city council to make sure the city of Athol remains responsive to its citizens.

“I’m naturally motivated to do the right things. I grew up here and it matters to me. I want to see everyone informed and to have a voice,” she said. “I became aware of the struggles the current mayor of Athol has had, and is still having, with three city council members and past Athol employees who did not stand by her while she uncovered and fought to have Sally Hansen brought to justice for stealing over $400,000 from the citizens here. Most people are still not aware of the conflict the mayor had to go through just to bring this to light.”

Cole, 48, said she was shocked to hear there are some council members who do not want to try and recover some of the money that was recently embezzled from the city.

“I realized that I needed to step up and make sure that there is a change in how citizens are treated and protected,” Cole said. “I have never been one to sit back and not help out when needed. There are a lot of people who complain about bad government, and few who expose themselves to do something about it.”

Cole said she doesn’t have any political experience, but she cares about the town she grew up in and she will do right by the community if elected.

“I do have direct contact with the people of the community every day at Cole’s Automotive,” Cole said. “They have voiced their concerns individually and as a community. My strength is my passion for doing what is right for everything I do and believe in. I bring good energy to the people around me.”

She said Athol is going through a few transitions she would like to help resolve.

“We have the concern over the highway bypass. It has been damaging to our local businesses and we need to work together to keep them operating, not just for the businesses, but for our citizens who support and use them,” she said. “I also know there is a concern for having enough dwelling septic permits.”

She said the city is negotiating a sewage management agreement with the Panhandle Health District that could lock the city into only having pre-existing lots with septic, and nothing more.

Cole said she doesn’t know her opponent, Joshua Spencer, but she has been concerned by his actions on recent issues.

“But like many, I have no voice,” she said. “I still believe in handshakes and looking someone in the eye and meaning what you say. I don’t need a contract to keep my word. Sometimes it may take a little longer with outside obstacles, but I get it done. My main goal is still in focus.”

William “Bill” Hill, Daniel Ratcliff and Deborah Warner are vying for Seat 1 on the Athol City Council. Lewis Milller, whose term in the council seat ends Jan. 7, is not seeking election.

Ratcliff, 41, is the only candidate of the three who provided information about himself for this article.

He echoed Cole’s concerns about seeking restitution of the embezzled funds.

“This is the only way we can go forward and make sure it never happens again,” he said.

A stay-at-home dad whose youngest child is 4, Ratcliff said he was previously certified in loader, backhoe and forklift operation with some management experience.

He said he likes that Athol is a small community with “great, friendly people,” whom he tries to help whenever possible.

“I bring a new perspective from a younger generation,” Ratcliff said. “My strengths include my ability to listen to others, and I will do my best to resolve their concerns in a professional manner.”