James L. Hager, Jr:
13 Newton Drive
Education: Don Bosco Tech, Boston – ’74 Mechanical Drafting; Northeastern University – Mechanical engineering courses; Wake Technical College, Raleigh.
Employment: Retired Project Manager in manufacturing and construction, for- mer faculty member of SMCC.
Personal: Married to Michelle, sons Andrew and wife Sarah (GHS ’06, Wagner College, BA ’10, USM Muskie School, MPPM ’16); Daniel and wife Heidi (GHS ’07, Springfield College, BS ’11). Two granddaughters, oldest attending Narragansett School.
Why should citizens vote for you?
With more than 19 years of public service in Gorham, I am presently the Chairman of the Planning Board; I served on the Town Council (2016-2022); School Committee (2000-2012), chairman of Middle School and Great Falls Elementary School Building Committees; volunteer coach for Gorham Rec. Gorham has been a great town to raise a family, but there are many challenges ahead. As Gorham grows, people are expecting services often found in larger communities. These demands strain town finances and our employees. We need experienced people to prioritize the issues, and to bring people together with a goal to benefit all.
Janet H. Kuech:
115 Narragansett Street
Education: BA English: Central CT State; AD: Castleton VT State
Employment: MSAD6 Title 1 Ed Tech III 4 years, Gorham School Dept. 21 years, Baxter Memorial Library 12 years
Political/community experience: Gorham Town Council 3 years (Appointments, Capital, Finance, GPCOG), MEA Board of Directors, All Day K & K-5 Configuration Committees, Non-profit treasurer, VBS volunteer
Personal: Married 45 years, parent of 3, Oma of 1
Why should citizens vote for you?
I would like people to know I really care about the past, present and future of Gorham. I attend many meetings to help move forward the work of the Town Council, School Committee, Joint Fiscal Sustainability Committee, and help residents understand the issues involved in trying to balance using land for housing, agriculture, commerce, and conservation. I learned a lot in three years on the Town Council and continue to advocate for Gorham by sharing information at the state and local level. We have many energetic folks willing to contribute to the common good by sharing their talents and resources.
David P. Willis:
33 Old Dynamite Way
Education: GHS 2002, University of Maine Orono 2006
Employment: Second-generation owner of Willis Real Estate located on Main Street in Gorham
Personal: Fifth generation resident of Gorham. In addition to my deep ties to Gorham’s history I am also invested in Gorham’s future through my two boys, Reid (4) and Cooper (2).
Why should citizens vote for you?
I have chosen to run for council this year because I love this town and want to create a deeper connection between Gorham’s council and our community. If elected to serve I plan to work with all facets of the community; council, school committee, town staff, business leaders, and citizens to build a sustainable future for Gorham. As a town we have much to be proud of but also a lot of work ahead. I am excited and ready to get to work for our community and hope to earn your vote on November 5th!
George L. Vercelli:
Pheasant Knoll Condominiums
Employment: Retired civil/sanitary engineer, MS civil cngineering.
Personal: Widower, 2 sons, one daughter-in-law, one grandson. My partner and I live in the Pheasant Knoll Condominiums. I managed projects for local, state and federal clients. Been a member of an architectural review board and the Gorham Conservation Commission. Now, vice president of the Portland Camera Club and on the Board of Directors for the Ridgefield Condominium Association.
Why should citizens vote for you?
My 47-year professional engineering career included addressing municipal issues in various communities. Gorham is undergoing a growth spurt, many residents believe development is out of control and not being managed appropriately. Many seniors will be surprised or upset when the tax bills go out, as many received no increase in the dollar amount of their tax bills last year due to the State’s one year freeze. Town Council and the School Committee must ensure betterment of education including innovative ways to control future increases. We cannot continue tax rate increases 2 to 3 times the rate of inflation.