Issue
Housing and rent: where Bangor's council candidates stand
A study commissioned by the city found a gap of about 700 housing units, a finding at least one candidate disputes. Proposals in this race range from rent control or a rent freeze to opposing new low-income housing. The city's rental registry is currently optional for landlords. BDN, Oct. 2BDN, Sept. 16
Does Bangor need more housing, and should the city act on rents?
Candidates in ballot order.
- Ballot position 01
Joe Leonard Incumbent
Wants the city to invest in housing. BDN, Sept. 30
- Ballot position 02
Michael Furrow
Opposes building new low-income housing and disputes the city-commissioned study's finding of a 700-unit housing gap. Opposes Yellen Pines. Says Bangor lacks high-paying jobs, not housing. BDN, Oct. 2LWV forum, Oct. 7
- Ballot position 03
Andrei Yermakov
Favors a rent freeze, which he says would encourage people to stay in or move to Bangor. Says young people worry they cannot afford housing in Bangor even with a job, and wants the council to work more closely with the school board and local businesses. At the forum, backed a mandatory rental registry and some form of rent control. BDN, Sept. 25Fox Bangor, Sept. 18LWV forum, Oct. 7
- Ballot position 04
Anthony Cote
Questions why new apartments are going up in neighboring Levant rather than Bangor, and says the city should work with local businesses and become more welcoming to builders. Fox Bangor, Sept. 18
- Ballot position 05
James Gallagher
Would not have supported the Yellen Pines tax deal as approved, citing concern about drug and alcohol use in apartments. Wants support services open to all residents. BDN, Sept. 26
- Ballot position 06
Terry Dinkins
Likes the idea of Yellen Pines but would not have supported it at its $11 million cost. Says Bangor does not have enough housing and needs more units. His church has run an overnight warming center for six years. Wants infrastructure funded so planned projects, such as 300 apartments on Stillwater Avenue and 200 condos at the Bangor Mall, can go ahead. BDN, Sept. 20Fox BangorLWV forum, Oct. 7
- Ballot position 07
Joseph Pratt
Opposes the Yellen Pines development. BDN, Sept. 18
- Ballot position 08
Adam Baker
Would make the city's optional rental registry mandatory, then pursue a rent freeze or rent control. Wants affordable and low-barrier housing. BDN, Sept. 16
- Ballot position 09
Dawson Nevells
Likes the Yellen Pines concept but would not have backed the tax reimbursement because of its cost. BDN, Sept. 17
- Ballot position 10
Katherine Devine
Opposes Yellen Pines, saying it would not truly help without sobriety or employment requirements. BDN, Sept. 23
- Ballot position 11
Jennifer McGinley Maskala
Links housing to affordability, saying property tax reassessments are straining residents on fixed incomes who want to stay in the city. Would speed workforce housing with predictable zoning, pre-approved designs and faster permits. Fox Bangor, Sept. 18LWV forum, Oct. 7
- Ballot position 12
John King
Supports the idea of supportive housing like Yellen Pines but says the council should have set conditions before voting. BDN, Sept. 29