Four Gorham residents are vying for two seats on the Town Council, while another four candidates are hoping to fill one of three vacancies on the School Committee.

Incumbents Michael Phinney, a longtime councilor, and Noah Miner, who is serving his first term, are facing challengers Daniel LeVasseur and Suzanne Phillips.

LeVasseur, who works in accounting, twice has run unsuccessfully for state representative. Phillips, a nanny, has no political experience.

LeVasseur said he met a lot of people through his political campaigns and knows what people in town want, which mainly is better fiscal responsibility. He believes his business background would help when it comes to the budget.

Phillips said she also knows many residents of Gorham, where she grew up, and she wants the chance to give back to her community through public service.

She said she supports the development of South Gorham to increase the tax base.

Phinney also believes the town needs to allow for more commercial development. He said he understands that Gorham is going to change and would like to continue to have a say in the shape the town takes.

Miner said he wants to continue to serve the people of Gorham by making sure the town maintains a high quality of life.

He said he’s dedicated to researching issues that come in front of the council. He believes the town’s comprehensive plan needs to be updated.

There’s only one incumbent, Dennis Libby, in the four-way race for three School Committee seats.

Libby wants to serve in order to follow through on the reconfiguration of the elementary schools, which happened this year.

He believes his experience and ability to work well with people are his assets.

Sara Nelson, who owns a business and has a master’s degree in business administration, said that experience – coupled with her passion for education – would add to her decisions as a member of the board.

Anne Lawrence, the mother of Gorham High School’s senior class president, said she believes the school system could cut costs by reusing more supplies from year to year.

Timothy Burns said he’d need the opportunity to serve to truly understand the challenges facing the school district. A desire to give back to his community is his motivation for running.

Staff Writer Leslie Bridgers can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

lbridgers@pressherald.com

 

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