Why are you running for Town Council? I was once advised that to change the world I needed to begin in my own corner. My own corner began with raising my child (still a ways to go on that one), and expanded to my relationships and friendships. Now I am expanding that corner to run for Town Council in an effort to better understand the challenges facing our community and how to enact positive change because I believe challenges can be transformed into growth opportunities. I strive to bring positivity, a fresh perspective, representation of young families raising kids who attend Gorham public schools, a passionate female voice for the future, and a compassionate ear for residents of our community.

I am running for a seat on the Gorham Town Council because I believe it is imperative to secure our future and our children’s futures, and I understand that this work never stops. I know how to collaborate, debate, discuss, compromise when necessary, and find workable solutions to all kinds of scenarios.

What do you see as the major issues for our community and how might they be addressed? The issue that is foremost in many of our minds currently is the COVID-19 pandemic, that, although unprecedented, has exacerbated issues and weaknesses that already exist in the fabric of communities nationwide. We have witnessed the consequences of being unprepared for an emergency. From here, with the experiences of the past six months, we must move forward together.

I believe one of the major issues currently facing Gorham is a need for a Public Health Committee. Many of the challenges our community faces could be met by this committee. I acknowledge there are population growth challenges, never ending taxation debates, infrastructure needs, and many more issues that have been debated for years. This year has brought many new challenges to overcome. To be firmly planted in the present, we need to learn from what is happening in our community, address it sustainably, and move forward with plans that honor the learning taught by mistakes made during this time.

I understand the importance of reducing traffic congestion and plans for sustainable, responsible residential growth, and the importance of many of the issues presented in previous years, while keeping a firm handle on the related fiscal implications required by actionable solutions.

How would your perspective or experience benefit the Town Council? I am creative, determined, compassionate, a deep thinker, an advocate, realistic, committed to lifelong learning, all with a growth mindset, and dedicated to every endeavor I undertake. Through participation with the Gorham Anti-Racism Development group I have had the honor and pleasure of speaking with members of our community who expressed concern about issues that are often not being discussed. While I believe that each of these individuals would make excellent Town Council candidates themselves, I am [honored] that they shared their thoughts on issues with me and have encouraged me to pursue this seat. Gorham is full of people who have put a lot of thought, research, and work into issues our town faces that are important to them. It is my great desire to transform their concerns into solutions and keep these issues on the forefront of town planning as we face current issues and shape the foundations for our future.

Name: Suzanne Phillips

Address: 108 Harding Bridge Road

Education: B.A. in Art Education at USM; Early Childhood Education at SMCC; 1994 Gorham High School Graduate

Personal Info: Married; I enjoy photography, painting, crafting, reading, gardening, motorcycle riding, and snowmobiling.

Employment: Gorham Business Exchange Executive Director

Political and community experience: One term on the Gorham School Committee; two terms on the Gorham Town Council, one year as Vice Chair, currently serving as Chairperson; Town Council Comprehensive Plan Amendment Committee Member; High School Building Committee Member; Gorham Historical Society, President since 2016; Gorham Founders Festival Committee Member, currently Chair; Member of the Gorham SnoGoers Club, and Gorham Taste Walk Coordinator.

Why are you running for Town Council? As an active member of the community, I desire to continue to make a positive impact in the place where I grew up. I know that as a Town Councilor, it is my job to educate myself on the needs and issues of our growing town. My experiences on the School Committee and Town Council have helped bring a better understanding of the town as a whole to the Council. Having spent most of my life here, in the community I have grown to love, I will continue to enhance all things that make Gorham a great place to live.

What do you see as the major issues for our community and how might they be addressed? Currently the pandemic is in the forefront. The Town Manager and I have been working diligently on planning for the financial impact it may have on our town. The safety and the success of the people and businesses in our community are the priorities.

Another issue for Gorham has been business attraction and retention, in order to offset the burden on taxpayers. Last year we hired a new full time Economic Development Director and the focus is being in touch with current businesses as well as assisting new ones. In addition, the citizens authorized the purchase of land for a new industrial park, which I think is a step in the right direction. I will continue to push forward with updating the town zoning to meet the comprehensive plan which was adopted three years ago.

How would your perspective or experience benefit the Town Council? My experience on the Town Council will help to move our town forward. There are many things that have begun in my terms and I hope to see them finished. For example, I look forward to inviting businesses to our new industrial park.

I also believe that leading the town through the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging. However, it has given me a perspective of how the town leaders can truly come together for the citizens.

Working with the Gorham Business Exchange Board members on outreach and connecting with local businesses has been beneficial to me in my understanding of the needs of our business community.

I will continue to listen to residents’ concerns, questions and ideas. As always, I hope together we can strive to plan and build a strong and vibrant Gorham!

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Name: Ronald W. Shepard

Address: 6 Field Crest Drive

Education: Gorham High School, 1966; S.M.V.T.I – Associate Degree, 1982; U.S.M. – Bachelor Degree, 1984; F.B.I. National Academy, 2000

Personal Info: Married to Debra; three children, four grandchildren, one great grandchild

Employment: Currently employed at Plummer’s Ace Hardware, part-time: Retired from Gorham Police Department after 42 years service, 19 years as Police Chief; U.S.Air Force veteran

Political and community experience: Two terms on Gorham Town Council 2014-2020; member of Gorham Historical Society; former Cub Scout Pack Leader; former member Gorham Fire Department; former member of Gorham Business Exchange

Why are you running for Town Council? Other than my four years of service in the military, I have been a resident of the town of Gorham. Since retiring from the Police Department I have been fortunate to serve on the Town Council. I believe the decisions made by the Council have been made in the best interest of the citizens of Gorham. I hope to continue my service to the town by being re-elected to the Town Council.

What do you see as major issues for the community and how might they be addressed? The school facility needs are an issue that will require input from all stakeholders, much “out of the box” thinking and a willingness of all involved to compromise and reach a consensus on a workable and affordable solution.

If the economy continues to be negatively impacted as a result of the COVID-19 virus the Town Council will need to be ready to address possible funding cuts from the state. Any action by the Council would be dependent on what losses the town would be facing.

How would your perspective or experience benefit the Town Council? I always listen to, and respect, the input of the other members of the Council. The discussions we have on the agenda topics are important and help us to make sound decisions.

I also keep in mind that many of the issues we discuss have dollar amounts attached to them and we have to make sure we are not placing unreasonable demands on taxpayers and businesses.