VoteBangor

The issues

What Bangor residents are raising in this race, and the question every candidate is asked about each one.

  1. Housing & homelessness

    Residents interviewed by the Bangor Daily News named homelessness and drug use as the top concerns in this race. The City Council votes on local ordinances, including rules that affect housing and shelter.

    Question for every candidate: What should the City Council do about housing costs and homelessness in Bangor?

  2. Property taxes & the city budget

    Several voters told the Bangor Daily News that property taxes worry them, especially retirees on fixed incomes. The City Council adopts the city budget.

    Question for every candidate: How would you balance property taxes against the cost of city services?

  3. Downtown & economic development

    Downtown is where local businesses, public spaces, and city services meet. Voters interviewed by the Bangor Daily News mentioned things like public restrooms and trash cans there.

    Question for every candidate: How would you support downtown Bangor and help create jobs and businesses?

  4. Public safety & infrastructure

    Some residents told the Bangor Daily News they feel unsafe in parts of downtown and in parks. Public safety and infrastructure are among the services the city budget pays for.

    Question for every candidate: What are your priorities for public safety, roads, and other city infrastructure?

  5. Schools & the school budget

    Voters told the Bangor Daily News they are concerned about aging school buildings and possible consolidation, and about how costly those decisions could be.

    Question for every candidate: What role should the City Council play in decisions about Bangor school buildings and the school budget?

Council conduct & effectiveness

Some residents told the Bangor Daily News they are frustrated by what they see as inaction on the council's goals and by how council meetings are run. This is not one of the questionnaire topics.

Compare candidates' answers See all candidates

Background on these issues summarizes reporting by the Bangor Daily News, "Bangor residents say homelessness and drug use are top issues in City Council race," Sept. 9, 2026. The order is not a ranking. Candidates' answers are published as they submit them. Voting information: City of Bangor.