PITTSFIELD -- Three townspeople are vying for an open seat on the Town Council in a special election today.

Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The town councilor vote is the only question on the ballot.

The at-large seat was previously held by Michael Cianchette, who resigned after getting a new job.

The three people on the ballot are Christopher Carr, Melissa Hackett and Jan Laux.

Town Clerk Nicole Nickolan said it's not unusual to see such interest in an open seat on the council, particularly since it is an "at-large" position. "There's a bigger pool to take from rather than a certain district when you can only be from that district," Nickolan said.

Nickolan said she's not sure how many residents will show up to vote. The town has 3,582 registered voters, she said.

"It's hard, because it's on a Wednesday, and not a Tuesday, but we'll put our sign out and try to tell people by word of mouth," Nickolan said. "Hopefully the word gets out."

The councilor's term typically last three years, but Cianchette left with a year to go. So, whoever wins today's election will have a term that lasts until November 2010 -- when regular elections are held.

The Town Council has five members, plus the mayor and deputy mayor. There are three at-large slots and two districted seats.

Caleb Curtis, who replaced Michael Gray, was elected in the November election and his first meeting was last week.

The town's aging infrastructure is a common concern cited by the candidates for the at-large seat.

Hackett, 27, is a substitute teacher for School Administrative District 49. She recently volunteered for the Democratic Party this year and it "really inspired me to do that in the community," she said.

"I see myself as person with time and energy to be a mouthpiece for the community, the issues they have and serve well to present those to the Town Council and see that they're addressed," Hackett said.

Hackett pointed to the town's infrastructure and its proposed windmill project at the Recycling Center and additional "green" projects as key issues.

Jan Laux, 62, is a consultant for Unum Insurance Company of Portland. He has been a superintendent of schools and currently serves on the School Administrative District 53 Board of Directors.

Laux noted "there's a lot going on in town right now" and he thinks "I have some skills of establishing priorities in terms of what should be and what can be done."

Laux also cited the town's aging infrastructure, particularly its water and sewer system. Laux said his experience in education is his biggest asset.

Christopher Carr, 40, has been a trooper with Maine State Police for 15 years.

"I've just got family and children in the school system and I have a vested interest in the community," Carr said. "We ought to have accountability for all parts of town government. I have no hidden agenda or anything. I come with an open mind."

Scott Monroe -- 861-9253, 487-3288

smonroe@centralmaine.com