BETHEL — Candidate Randall Grondin hopes to gain a seat on Bethel’s select board, where four candidates are running for two open spots. Voting takes place June 10, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Vernon Street in Bethel.

Why are you seeking the select board nomination?

I feel that it is my civic duty to give back to the community. I want people of this community to know that I am an individual who is here to work for the citizens of Bethel. I want people to be heard, listened to and respected even with the most sensitive subjects that come before the select board. A select board person needs to be unbiased with decisions that come across that table which can be a difficult task. I am one that is willing to listen to all and make decisions based on some really simple and basic principles.

1. Is the item at hand ethical?

2. Is it moral?

3. Is it within legal parameters?

4. Is it constitutional?

5. Is it in the best interest of the Town of Bethel?

 What do you think are some important issues facing the Town of Bethel?

Some of the important issues facing this community there are many, of which many towns in this state are facing as well.

Our younger generations are not staying in this community; they are moving outward not to return back until retirement ages. As a young person growing up in the area there were many manufacturing jobs, Newton and Tibbets dowel mill, Kimballs, Bethel Furniture Stock, Saunders Brothers just to name a few. The logging industry was strong and heartful in this area as well. Careers were to be had in just the few items I have touched on.

We need to figure out a way to attract viable wage jobs for this community. The area housing is not attainable for a young person starting out.

 The median listing home price in Bethel, ME was $675K in March 2025. Our industry is recreation. These types of jobs are not high paying jobs, some are at or just above minimum wage. With the median number used for average listing in the area 20% down would be $135,000. Then the monthly payments estimated would be around $5000 per month for 30 yrs.

Does Bethel overspend or underspend and, where should reductions/increases be ? 

I feel Bethels spending is about average. I am one person so this is a hard question to answer because no matter what I think there are going to be 15 that will disagree with my thought. This is why I need to be contacted if elected to the position and hear what my fellow citizens are thinking in regard to this. I believe in keeping historical items but at what point do we keep putting foolish money into infrastructure buildings with no significant full use and value for a more modern and functional  structure. There comes a point when you have to pull the bandaid off and move on to better.

What is your experience with community organizations, and have you held positions in any organizations? 

I belong to NOMA Northern Oxford County Mutual Aid which consists of 11 towns and I currently hold the Vice president position and have had this position for I believe going on 4 years now.

What town board positions have you held?

I have not held any town board positions with the town of Bethel.

Please offer any other information you would like to add.

My background ground is in service management. I come with over 25 years experience. I understand line item departmental budgets and expense control. I have been with the town of Gilead’s fire department for 25 years as of this past March. I was a lieutenant / safety officer for 13 years being promoted to Chief in 2013. I have Emergency Management training for disasters. I am trained to the Hazmat Operations Level. I am also responsible for the town of Gilead’s EMA. I am Gilead’s Forest Warden for the state of Maine. I am well versed in the state of Maine’s Bureau of Labor Standards. I know how to write policies and procedures as needed.

I live on the North Rd in Bethel with my wife and two Labs Willie and Bergie.

I enjoy working on my property, fishing, snowmobiling, spending time with family and friends.

I welcome anyone with concerns or questions to reach out to me.