Woolwich voters will have a choice for selectman and road commissioner when they head to the polls for the General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 3. They’ll also decide whether to continue with the Pay As You Throw program (PAYT).

The polls are located at Woolwich Central School located on Nequasset Road, and will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The PAYT referendum was inserted by petition. A “yes” vote ends the PAYT contract with WasteZero, the not-for-profit group based in Andover, Mass.  A “no” vote continues town membership in the program that involves the purchase of orange plastic bags for disposal of non-recyclable trash.

PAYT began in Woolwich on Sept. 1. The program has reportedly saved the town $3,200 in its first month according to estimates compiled by WasteZero based on information supplied by the town.  The dollar savings were based on a 46-percent reduction of the solid waste tonnage and savings Woolwich pays in tipping fees. The town’s recycling rate reportedly doubled during the same period. PAYT numbers for October were not available.

PAYT opponents say the town’s solid waste costs are lower because some residents are having private contractors pick up their trash rather than participate in the WasteZero program. They also fear more trash is being disposed of illegally.

The town shares the monies collected for sale of the trash bags with WasteZero. For September, the town's net profit from the sale of bags was $8,456 for bag receipts totaling $10,800, according to WasteZero. Opponents, however, complain that the WasteZero bags are smaller than regular trash bags, making it necessary for residents to buy more of them. They also say the bags are more expensive then other trash bags.

Two contested positions

Don Adams, 57, of the Shaw Road is challenging longtime incumbent David King Sr. for his seat on the board of selectmen. The position is a three-year term.

Adams led petition drives to have both library funding and PAYT considered at the general election where more voters would have the opportunity to vote. He moved to Woolwich from Dresden four years ago. It’s his first bid at elected office.

King, 66, has a great deal of experience in municipal government. He served 20 years on the board of selectmen, 10 as chairman. Before that, he was on the planning board for 10 years serving several terms as chairman. He’s lived on Birchwood Road since 1986.

The two men are on opposite sides of the PAYT/WasteZero question. Adams is strongly in favor of its repeal. King was against holding the referendum, preferring instead to revisit PAYT at the 2016 town meeting.

Voters have a choice for road commissioner, also a three-year term.

Joseph Creamer Sr., 55, of Dana Mills Road is challenging longtime incumbent Jack Shaw, 69, of Walker Road. The road commissioner is responsible for maintaining the town’s 50-plus miles of roads. Both men operate general contractor and excavation businesses in town.

Before starting his own business, Creamer worked for the city of Bath’s highway department as a heavy equipment operator and foreman for 11 years.

Shaw, a Woolwich native, has held the position of road commissioner for 32 years. During his long tenure, he said he’s never gone over budget. Shaw defeated Creamer at the polls three years ago.

Town Clerk Janice Bradford said residents could register to vote at the town office during business hours and also on Election Day. You must show both proper ID and proof of residency. For additional information, call the town clerk’s office at 207-442-8723.