Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
James Hager Jr. | 13 Newton Drive | Retired project manager | Graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School, Boston – Mechanical Drafting major. Attended Northeastern University, Boston, and Wake Technical College, Raleigh | Married
How long have you lived in Gorham?
32 years
Why are you running for Town Council?
I served on the Town Council from 2017 to 2022. I didn’t seek re-election in 2022 due to work obligations that required me to travel frequently to Ontario, Palatka, FL and Monterrey, Mexico. I retired in May and now able to fulfill the obligation and dedicate the time needed.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
The Town Council relies on the School Committee to develop a responsible budget that meets the needs of the staff, students, and facilities. The Town Council has to balance the needs of the community, its infrastructure, and the ability to pay while considering the cost of living for all residents.
Beyond increasing commercial development, how can the Town Council manage residential growth?
The demographics of Gorham are changing quickly. As the community ages, landowners are trying to balance the cost of inflation and local tax increases. Selling their property to developers is their right. We need to be prepared to absorb growth with best practices using the Land Use and Development Code.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Suzanne Phillips | Harding Bridge Rd. | Married | Gorham High graduate ’94, BA in Art/Education from USM | Business Coordinator at The Hop Yard Gorham | Historical Society President | Enjoy drawing, gardening, cooking, reading.
How long have you lived in Gorham?
39 years
Why are you running for Town Council?
I love Gorham’s rich history and its agricultural roots, something I strive to protect and celebrate. We are a growing community, and we need to manage how we grow. As an active member of this wonderful community, I want to continue to serve the people of Gorham.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
I planned that the Town Council and the School Committee will meet this fall to discuss budgeting ideas. There are projects we can do together, and we can find efficiencies with staff. I would like to collaborate on budgets rather than be separated. Both groups have a responsibility to the residents.
Beyond increasing commercial development, how can the Town Council manage residential growth?
In recent years, I have brought forward several changes to better manage our increasing population, such as the rate of growth ordinance, increased phasing of subdivisions. I realize we have a housing shortage, but I need to make decisions based on what is best for the current residents of Gorham.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Lou Simms | Senior Investment Officer, Maine Technology Institute (since 2015) | Master’s, Resource Management, UNH (2014), USM Undergrad (2009) | My wife is a Gorham grad and our son just started Kindergarten at Village!
How long have you lived in Gorham?
Since June 2020 – and I’ve been nearby since enrolling at USM in 2006
Why are you running for Town Council?
I was alarmed by this Summer’s budget battle, and determined that we can do better: for our kids and our town. Our leaders must work together to address the challenges confronting our community. I may be new to Gorham politics, but can offer a fresh perspective to deliver effective compromise.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
To offset increasing operating costs, we must collaborate to ensure efficient spending, generate new revenues, and find smart savings. TC and SC should work together to develop creative solutions, instead of playing politics with budget standoffs. Improved transparency for taxpayers and better communications to bridge the gaps in our community.
Beyond increasing commercial development, how can the Town Council manage residential growth?
Further collaborations with regional partners and community groups to bolster support for local farmers and increase incentives for landowners to preserve Gorham’s open spaces for generations to come. Thoughtful zoning ordinances and selectively funding (or withholding) costly build out of public water/sewer infrastructure can influence the march of development.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
Chris Kelley | 17 Freedom Dr. | Sales Representative | BS Business Finance, University of Maine – Orono | Married, two children | Gorham Economic Development Corporation Board Chair
How long have you lived in Gorham?
10 years
Why are you running for Town Council?
I want to see Gorham continue to be a great place to live, work and play. Bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives I believe will be positive for the council.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
Communication is critical, not only between town council and school committee, but also communicating to the citizens more effectively. We need to work together to manage expenses, but also grow the tax revenue to meet the growing needs of the schools.
Beyond increasing commercial development, how can the Town Council manage residential growth?
The number of residential building permits issued has decreased over the past three years. Large projects are required to be phased in with caps on the numbers of units allowed to be built. That said, rezoning land and performance standards should be revisited as part of reviewing the master plan.
Candidate’s official name and address, employment, education, and personal information:
George L. Vercelli | 2 Brookfield Ct. Gorham, Maine 04038 | Retired | BS in Civil Engineering & MS in Civil/Sanitary Engineering | I have 2 sons, one daughter-in-law and one grandson (10 yrs old).
How long have you lived in Gorham?
I have lived in Gorham since 2003.
Why are you running for Town Council?
Home prices, mortgage rates, and property taxes have made it significantly difficult for younger families to buy a home and older residents
to remain in their homes. I have the time to dedicate and skills to address these issues, effectively carry out the duties of Town Council and support the community.
How can the Town Council and School Committee balance the needs of the schools with those of the taxpayers?
They must work together to determine if there are: lower cost options, such as some online classes for 12th and maybe 11th graders to free up classroom space; areas of overlapping expenditures; possibilities to use some of USM’s classrooms; benefits to increasing impact fees for school specific needs.
Beyond increasing commercial development, how can the Town Council manage residential growth?
The State ended “single-family-only” home zones, which requires allowing accessory dwelling units, making growth management even more difficult. The 2023/24 budget includes: Comprehensive Plan Update, Main Street Master Plan Update and an Open Space Study. The Council must take this opportunity to use these documents to manage growth.