Issue
Jobs, business and the economy: where Bangor's council candidates stand
Several candidates say permitting, regulation, drug use and homelessness discourage businesses, and that the city needs to keep young people and families. Ideas include tax incentives for employers, apprenticeships, and better bus service. BDN, Sept. 22Fox Bangor, Sept. 22BDN, Sept. 25
How should Bangor grow jobs and keep young people?
Candidates in ballot order.
- Ballot position 01
Joe Leonard Incumbent
Interested in new city revenue sources and in exploring municipally controlled energy. Wants to turn the Street Plus program into an in-house downtown ambassador program. Wants an airport commission and more investment in the Community Connector bus. BDN, Sept. 30LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:25:54 Watch at 2:05:45
- Ballot position 02
Michael Furrow
Wants the city to attract jobs and industry so young people stay. Wants overlapping nonprofit services reviewed and cut. BDN, Oct. 2Fox Bangor, Sept. 22 Watch at 1:29:27 Watch at 2:02:50
- Ballot position 03
Andrei Yermakov
Proposes high school apprenticeships, a work commitment for city-funded bus driver training, and partnerships with medical institutions to keep workers. Proposes a "BangCorps" trade apprenticeship program with Job Corps. BDN, Sept. 25LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:20:10 Watch at 1:58:50
- Ballot position 04
Anthony Cote
Top priority is a business-friendly Bangor with simpler permitting, and a larger tax base to keep property taxes from rising. Says developers build in Levant and Hermon instead of Bangor because of the city's zoning, permitting and energy codes. BDN, Sept. 22LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:31:47 Watch at 2:00:41
- Ballot position 05
James Gallagher
Wants to extend the vacant property ordinance to penalize vacant commercial buildings. Wants downtown tax-district (TIF) money allocated better. BDN, Sept. 26LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:28:34 Watch at 2:03:40
- Ballot position 06
Terry Dinkins
No public position found in the sources we reviewed.
- Ballot position 07
Joseph Pratt
Supports tax incentives for for-profit employers that create jobs, offered as readily as to nonprofits. Wants to attract businesses and young families. BDN, Sept. 18Fox Bangor, Sept. 22 Watch at 1:21:45 Watch at 1:57:41
- Ballot position 08
Adam Baker
Wants longer bus hours, restored weekend bus service, and a livable wage for city staff. BDN, Sept. 16 Watch at 1:32:55 Watch at 1:59:48
- Ballot position 09
Dawson Nevells
No public position found in the sources we reviewed.
- Ballot position 10
Katherine Devine
Wants to cut construction red tape so more buildings can be renovated into apartments. BDN, Oct. 5
- Ballot position 11
Jennifer McGinley Maskala
Wants to recruit air cargo, logistics and cold-storage businesses to the airport. LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:24:36 Watch at 2:06:59
- Ballot position 12
John King
Wants faster sewer upgrades, rezoning to bring in companies, and housing so people who work in Bangor can live there. LWV forum, Oct. 7 Watch at 1:27:10 Watch at 2:04:45