Thomas MacMillan, the chairman of the Portland Green Independent Committee for the last three years, announced on Wednesday that he wants to be mayor of Maine’s largest city.

MacMillan is the fifth person to take out nomination papers for the mayoral election. His decision comes as the party is also campaigning to convince Portland voters to adopt a $15 an hour minimum wage.

MacMillan said a written statement that he is running to give voice to Portland residents who are struggling to make ends meet by advocating for livable wages and controlled development.

“While this amazing city has received accolades from national media sources, most Portland residents are struggling,” he said.

MacMillan noted that more than 50 percent of school children lack food security, rents are skyrocketing and “luxury developments are bringing about the destruction of the working class character of the city.”

“All of this has happened under the careful watch of the current mayor and council,” he said. “Nothing will change unless we stand up and say: the Portland that we hold dear is worth fighting for!”

MacMillan co-authored an ordinance in support of legal marijuana in Portland and was a founding member of the Friends of Congress Square Park, which overturned a city decision to sell and develop the park at High and Congress streets. He also helped draft a statement adopted by the council in opposition to “corporate personhood” and in support of publicly financed elections, he said.

Mayor Michael Brennan and City Councilor Edward Suslovic have also taken out nomination papers. Washington Avenue resident and Portland firefighter Chris Vail and Grant Street resident Zouhair Bouzrara are also looking to be on the ballot.

Three hundred signatures are needed to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Randy Billings can be contacted at 791-6346 or at:

rbillings@pressherald.com

Twitter: @randybillings

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