Master of Ceremonies: Meet the Candidates for Ellsworth, Maine City Council 2023
I had the honor of helping host the Ellsworth, Maine’s Meet the Candidates event on October 17, 2023. Working as a marketing generalist contractor for the Heart of Ellsworth opened many doors to the community and the opportunity to practice addressing the public. In addition to designing Meet the Candidates campaign materials (posters, social media graphics, website content, and more) and helping set up the stage, welcome table, and program, I got to welcome candidates, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees prior to the event.
Voting is cornerstone to my values and belief in the power of decision making. Educating voters is integral in making good group decisions that pull us toward a brighter future. It meant a great deal to me to be a critical part of the 2023 Meet the Candidates event. I would love to be a part of similar events in the future. You can watch the video recording embedded on this page or read my statement below.
“Hello! My name is Rachel Yves.
I want to start by telling you a little about Heart of Ellsworth. Heart of Ellsworth is an economic and community development organization that champions the downtown district. We are nationally affiliated with the Main Street America program and members of the Maine Downtown Center. Thank you all so much for coming to our 6th annual Meet the Candidates event.
I want to thank you for doing your part to be an active, civically engaged public, and for taking the time to learn more about the 2023 candidates for Ellsworth City Council! In times like these, when many of us feel afraid for the wellbeing of our society, it’s not easy to show up everyday and participate in American democracy. So, if you’re here today or tuning in from elsewhere, I want to commend you for your faith in democracy, diplomacy, and yourselves as citizens of a community.
If it was simply the beautiful posters that lured you in tonight, I want to tell you that the painting in the artwork is titled “The Singing Flag” by Joy Halstead. It was donated to Ellsworth City Hall by Richard and Helen Dudman from their private collection. You can see the painting and learn more about it in City Hall.
Now, before I thank the people who make this event possible, I have a quick note about the candidates you see on stage and on the ballot. Noah Robidoux has formally withdrawn from the race. We wish him well and hope that he and other young people in Ellsworth feel encouraged to participate in local elections this year and every year to come.
Each year Heart of Ellsworth partners with the Ellsworth American and the City of Ellsworth to produce this informative event. Now, I’d like to thank a few people and organizations who helped make Meet the Candidates possible:
Thank you to our long-time event partner Ellsworth American and tonight’s moderator, Cyndi Wood
Thank you to The Grand Theater staff - Nick Turner, Kim Fitch, and Peter Miller
Thank you to the City of Ellsworth’s IT Staff - Jason Ingles and Nate Burckhard
Thank you to Heart of Ellsworth’s board members and community volunteers - Peter Lione for decorating the stage, Phyllis Young for organizing audience questions, Lucille Poulin for keeping time, Maggie Innauzzi and Patrick Minze for greeting all our guests
Lastly, but certainly not least, I’d like to say “thank you” to this year’s sponsor, Desert Harvest, a manufacturer just on the other side of Main Street lead by Heather Flora, the business’ second-generation owner. Please join me in welcoming to the stage Heather Florio!”
