Kennebunk Annual Town Meeting
Municipal Referendum
RSU 21 Budget Validation Election
When: June 9, 2026 Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Edward C. Winston Town Hall Auditorium; 1 Summer Street, Kennebunk.
Kennebunk Voter Guide: The June 9th 2026 Voter Guide is available here (PDF) or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office.
KENNEBUNK, KENNEBUNKPORT & WELLS WATER DISTRICT
Two candidates running for one Trustee position
JUNE HUSTON
Tell us a little about yourself. I am a local business owner and real estate investor. I have served on the Kennebunk Select Board and as Chair of the Economic Development Committee for several years. I grew up in Kennebunk, and am grateful that I was able to raise both of my children here. I volunteer as the Rotary Interact Advisor at Kennebunk High School and enjoy sharing with the kids the importance of “service above self,” which is the organization’s motto.
What is your reason for running for this office? I have enjoyed serving for the past almost 3 years as a Trustee primarily because of the challenges the role holds due to the operations of the district being so widely diverse. The District is constantly searching for new water sources, striving to produce the safest and most affordable water, acquiring land surrounding our watershed to protect it, replacing aging underground infrastructure and maintaining high customer service standards. In order to serve effectively in my role, I have learned a tremendous amount about each of these essential functions so I can approve responsible budgets and set policy for the District. I’m committed to expanding my knowledge base even further if reelected so that I can be most effective in my role.
What are your priorities should you be elected? My priorities will be continuing to improve our long term capital budget planning and replacing aging infrastructure at the treatment plant. I want to implement programs to educate our customers about the importance and ways to conserve water as water demands continue to increase exponentially due to population growth and irrigation systems causing strains on our water resources. The District’s staff have been amazing to partner with during my tenure and I will continue to promote transparency and open communication with them.
ROBERT A. EMMONS
Tell us a little about yourself. I was raised in the Kennebunks, where my wife, Lisa and I also raised our son. My great-grandfather retired after 50 years of service with KK&W, and I later followed in his footsteps, working on the main line crew for 20 years. I also served as a trustee for 18 years, contributing to the community and its ongoing development. These experiences have given me a strong appreciation for local history, hard work, and public service. Currently, I am self-employed, continuing to apply the skills and values I’ve built over the years.
What is your reason for running for this office? I am interested in serving as a KK&W Trustee because I care deeply about protecting our water resources and ensuring clean, safe drinking water for our community. I support maintaining affordable rates while making necessary investments in infrastructure, including water main replacements and, when needed, upgrades to treatment facilities. Protecting the watershed is especially important to me, including careful consideration of projects like the Sanford biosolids PFAS gasification initiative. I believe in balancing environmental responsibility with long-term sustainability, ensuring decisions today protect future generations. With my experience and commitment to the community, I am prepared to help guide KK&W in meeting these priorities.
What are your priorities should you be elected? If elected as a KK&W Trustee, my priorities are clear: protecting our water resources, ensuring clean and safe drinking water, and keeping rates affordable for our community. With decades of hands-on experience and prior service as a trustee, I understand the importance of maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure, including water main replacements and treatment facilities. I am committed to safeguarding our watershed, carefully evaluating projects such as the Sanford biosolids PFAS gasification initiative to ensure environmental responsibility. My focus is on balancing smart investment with long-term sustainability, making thoughtful decisions today that will protect our water system and community for future generations.
RSU 21 3-YEAR TERM
WAYNE SARGENT, unopposed candidate
Tell us a little about yourself. My wife and I have lived in the Kennebunks for the past 27 years. I have a master’s degree in Education and one in Business Administration. My undergraduate degree is in Mechanical Engineering. My experience includes 15 years of teaching and 25 years in the corporate world, including as a business owner. I gained a broad perspective in education, teaching at middle, high school and community college levels. My experience spans four school districts and two community colleges. Prior to teaching, I worked in the energy field, with experience in management, finance and contract negotiations. I have served as an interim director on the RSU 21 School Board since September 2025 after being chosen by the Select Board.
What is your reason for running for office? I have a passionate interest in public education. As a first-generation college graduate, I have a deep appreciation for the role education has played in my life and I believe I have the knowledge, experience and education to make a contribution to the success of RSU 21. I believe education plays a major role in solving societal challenges. We are going to need citizens who can analyze, compare, evaluate and problem solve using knowledge and critical thinking skills taught in our public schools. The emphasis should be on how to think, not what to think.
What are your priorities should you be elected? I have no personal agenda. During my time on the Board, we have adhered to a strategic plan, core values and policies designed to recognize and overcome the challenges we face including: building community trust; developing a budget that supports student learning and garners community support; supporting our staff; and addressing emerging challenges relating to technology, including AI. In summary, my priority is to maintain the course the present Board of Directors is on, support the new administration and focus on the best interests of the students.
RSU 21 TWO-YEAR TERM, unopposed candidate
ASHLEY O’BRIEN
This candidate did not respond to our request for information.
RSU 21 ONE-YEAR TERM
JOSEPH M. MASTERS, unopposed candidate
Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Joseph Masters. I’m 39, a father of two boys Zion 6 and Kaven 10. I moved to Kennebunk from Vermont. I grew up in Woburn, MA and work for Maine Craft Distilling for the past 6 years as the Director of Finance. Was a snowboard coach for 10 years. I also enjoy woodworking and birds.
What is your reason for running for this office? I feel that my decision-making skills and lead to the best net positive or the least net negative outcome for the parents and students in our community. Looking forward to learning more and being better informed.
What are your priorities should you be elected? To be educated on issues and make mindful decisions that improve the lives of those living in our community. To show up without an agenda and to apply critical thinking with the intention of providing creative solutions to the RSU 21 community and the issues we face.
SELECT BOARD
Two candidates running for two seats*
MICHAEL BRESNAHAN
Tell us a little about yourself. I am a married father of three wonderful children who wants to make a difference in the community. Service is deeply important to me and I believe that achieving the best outcomes for all residents requires local leaders who listen to their community members. I work at a large custody bank doing program management for global initiatives aimed at simplifying our company’s service model to better serve our clients. I am involved in the town as a coach for my children’s youth sports and I am a member of the KAK Little League Board of Directors
What is your reason for running for this office? I want to help make a positive difference for the town. I have three children and want them to be proud of the town they are growing up in, and I want them to see the importance of serving others to create an environment where everyone in town feels heard. I believe it’s important to be active in my community and to fully understand the diverse perspectives and ideas held by the residents of the town.
What are your priorities should you be elected? My priorities are to ensure our public servants and first responders feel supported and are safely able to do their jobs. I want to work with the school board to ensure the primary focus of their policies is solely to support the development and education of our community’s children. The final priority is to work with the Select Board to develop and revise policies that promote safety and growth within the town.
ELIZABETH KAKNES
This candidate did not respond to our request for information.
*RACHEL R. LACKER withdrew her candidacy on May 7.
KENNEBUNK LIGHT & POWER DISTRICT
Three candidates for one five-year term
DONALD HEBERT
Tell us a little about yourself. I am a Maine native and have lived in Kennebunk for over 42 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Maine and an MBA in Leadership from Saint Joseph’s College. I have consistently held finance positions helping organizations achieve their current needs and plan for the long-term for the success of the organizations. Most recently, I have served as Director of Finance for ecomaine, a quasi-municipal organization owned by 20 municipalities, which has expanded my interest in decision making for non-profit organizations with plans on their investments for short- and long-term goals. I provided some volunteer assistance by serving on the Kennebunk Budget Board for six years and have been a Rotarian for more than ten years in two communities.
What is your reason for running for this office? I am running for this position because I believe that I can help with continuing to see low cost along with planning for the long-term needs. It will be very important that KLPD balance the short- and long-term effects to the community when deciding on issues such as closing the dam, investing in renewable energy or incurring any debt for the benefit of achieving long-term goals. I have been involved in the need for similar decision making for organizations and would want to see the Kennebunk Light & Power District continue to provide low-cost energy to the community.
What are your priorities should you be elected? Some of my key priorities would be, first, to review current plans for addressing the aging infrastructure to identify opportunities to ensure long-term reliability. Second, would be to review the current terms of the current contract with Nextera Energy to better understand the controls in place to monitor costs. Third would be to understand the pros and cons of keeping the dams open along with what would be the costs of closing them compared to the benefits of keeping them open for how long. Finally, gather insights from current Trustee members about pass issues encountered along with their reasons for plans.
CURTIS A. MILDNER
Tell us a little about yourself. I love this place—it’s truly home. I’ve lived in Kennebunk for over 50 years, aside from a couple of stints away for graduate school in Virginia and a job in New Jersey. I came here after college at Rutgers, met my wife (49 years and counting!) while working at a restaurant in Kennebunkport, and never looked back. We raised our two sons here and feel lucky we did. Coming from New York, I still appreciate the slower pace, the history, and the open spaces—from beaches to trails. Every time I cross the Mousam on Route 9 and roll down the windows, that salt air reminds me how fortunate we are to live here.
What is your reason for running for this office? I’m running for a second term because there’s still important work to do. KLPD delivers reliable power at good rates, and that’s something we all value—but our beloved utility has fallen behind in systems, technology and processes. A couple of years ago, we brought in a new General Manager with the experience to move things forward, and I want to continue supporting that progress. My background as a Vice President at CMP gives me the expertise to be a useful partner in that work. A big example is the Water Street substation—it’s about 70 years old and overdue for replacement. If it fails, half the town could lose power. I’ve worked to push that project forward, and I want to see it through.
What are your priorities should you be elected? First and foremost, I want to see the Water Street substation project completed—it’s critical for reliability. Beyond that, my focus is supporting our General Manager as she tackles needed improvements step by step. We can’t fix everything overnight, but we can set clear priorities and make steady progress. Another big issue on the horizon is our three dams on the Mousam River. They’re aging, and at some point, major repair costs are coming. On top of that, MaineDEP is requiring that KLPD address water quality and fish passage in the Mousam. This is potentially very expensive. These are complicated, high-stakes decisions, and I want to be at the table helping make smart choices that protect both our community and our electric rates.
BENJAMIN VON REYN
Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Ben von Reyn and I live in town with my wife and our two young boys. We moved to Kennebunk in 2021 and feel so fortunate to have been able to join this community. Previously we spent time in Bucks County, PA and NYC areas. I have spent the majority of my career working in wholesale electricity and energy markets and now run my own independent consultancy in the energy industry. Outside of work I spend most of my time with my family and this past year have started teaching our oldest a few of our favorite recreational activities (skiing, tennis, tee ball, and even how to make his own “bacon” pasta).
What is your reason for running for this office? I’m running for this office because I view it as an excellent way to use my prior work experience and current knowledge to help our community. Electricity expenses make a meaningful portion of many households’ monthly budgets and I’d like to use my expertise in this industry to help Kennebunk residents keep these costs affordable while not sacrificing environmental considerations. I view this position as a great way to contribute to our community.
What are your priorities should you be elected? My priorities are focused on providing reliable and affordable electricity to residents of Kennebunk over the long term in a sustainable way. I would like to use my energy market experience to evaluate power supply agreements to keep risks and costs in check. I appreciate your consideration and welcome any questions from fellow residents.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY/Maine House of Representatives District 135
Two candidates running for one seat
LISA JOY PRATT
Tell us a little about yourself. I’m a mom, wife, daughter, healthcare worker, and longtime community volunteer who has found my calling in public service. I hold a B.A. in English from Clemson University, along with degrees in radiology, criminal justice, and leadership. My professional background is diverse, but each role has strengthened my commitment to serving others. I currently serve on the Kennebunk Select Board, the York County Budget Board, the ecomaine Board of Directors, and the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission General Assembly. I’m also a climate action and accessibility advocate. At home, I’m a proud soccer and dance mom who enjoys gardening, knitting, reading, and true crime podcasts.
What is your reason for running for this office? I’m running to be a strong, grounded voice for Kennebunk in Augusta. This community is my home, and I’m committed to protecting what makes it special while planning responsibly for the future. My experience in municipal government—and the relationships I’ve built—have shown me how state decisions directly impact our town. I’ve worked on issues like fiscal responsibility, long-term planning, and community resilience, and I know what works for Kennebunk. I’m running to ensure our community is heard, our values are represented, and our needs are met. I’ll continue listening, learning, and advocating as Kennebunk grows and evolves.
What are your priorities should you be elected? My top priorities are supporting municipal stability, strengthening climate resilience, and addressing food insecurity. I will work to identify ways municipalities can responsibly increase local revenue without risking reductions in state funding, so communities like Kennebunk can maintain essential services. I am committed to advancing practical climate resilience strategies that protect our environment, infrastructure, and economy. I also support efforts to eliminate food insecurity by promoting the food recovery hierarchy, reducing waste while ensuring more food reaches those in need. These priorities reflect my focus on practical, community-driven solutions that improve quality of life now and for the future.
RACHEL PHIPPS
Tell us a little about yourself. I have lived in, loved and served this community for most of my life. My husband and I raised our two children here and they both graduated from Kennebunk High School. I retired last year to take care of my elderly mother, who was devoted to community and raised me as a strong Democrat. She passed in June, with me by her side. I knew I was ready to build on my lifelong career as a social worker and my three terms as an elected official in Kennebunk to advocate in Augusta for policies that will build strong and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. I want to meet you and hear from you. I am ready to work full-time in Augusta to represent you.
What is your reason for running for this office? As a social worker, I have seen up close the human costs of the affordability crises we are facing. My family has experienced many of them. My husband and I currently have no insurance due to the elimination of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, making the cost of an insurance policy out of reach on our income. I have family members who belong to the LGBTQ community and need protection from the targeted efforts by some to deny them their rights. I know many families whose children are struggling to afford post-secondary training and cannot afford to settle in our town. We are also facing the inexorable march of the climate catastrophe that will directly impact our community and requires immediate and forceful intervention.
What are your priorities should you be elected? The major issues facing our communities are interconnected and need to be addressed systemically. We have an affordability crisis — in health care, in childcare, in elder care,in housing, in post-secondary education, in energy costs. We are facing the dire consequences of climate change that needed to be addressed yesterday! To get at the root of these issues, and promote solutions, we must address income inequality. I vow to take on affordability; keep our commitment to fully funding public education; provide our young people with multiple pathways to careers; reform the tax structure so everyone pays their fair share; promote our diversity to build a vibrant state economy; preserve and protect our natural environment; protect reproductive rights and build communities where everyone belongs.
