I’m Michael Beck, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on Bangor City Council. Our Queen City has a bright future ahead, and I’m committed to making that future a reality.
From housing and community well-being to public transportation and property taxes, I’m eager to tackle the issues. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more vibrant Bangor where every resident can thrive. Join me on this journey as we explore the path to a better Bangor, one issue at a time. It starts with your vote for me on November 5th.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are necessary to pay for all of the services important to us. Our Schools, police and fire departments, roads and infrastructure, parks and recreation, and other public services all rely on property tax revenue to function. But so many residents in Bangor, especially those on fixed incomes, are feeling the pinch now more than ever. As your City Council candidate, I’m committed to addressing Bangor’s property tax challenges head-on.
So what is happening? When it comes to how Bangor’s budget works out on a year-to-year basis, the city is typically in the black each year by a little over a million dollars. But something odd has been happening as of late, with the last three years combined adding up to over $14.3 million being moved from undesignated funds to various reserve funds. That means we’ve had some inaccurate budget projections. Despite these recent budget surpluses, our residents continue to face increasing tax burdens. This doesn’t add up. You can blame revaluations for some of it, but not all of it. If elected, I pledge to scrutinize our city’s finances, pushing for responsible budgeting that prevents unnecessary tax hikes. It’s time for a City Council member who truly understands the impact of rising property taxes on our community and fights to keep them in check without sacrificing the services we rely on most. With your support, I’ll stand up for equitable budget decisions and work tirelessly to make Bangor more affordable for everyone.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is crucial for Bangor’s future and economy. As your City Council candidate, I envision our city as a place where all income levels can afford safe homes, boosting our local economy. I’m committed to addressing housing challenges, recognizing affordable housing benefits everyone. When people spend less on housing, they have more to spend at local businesses, potentially creating jobs and broadening our tax base. I’ll advocate for policies promoting affordable housing development and protecting existing units, exploring smart zoning updates, paths to home ownership, and innovative financing options. By partnering with local developers and nonprofits, we can responsibly increase our housing stock. Prioritizing affordable housing isn’t just about homes; it’s about creating a more prosperous Bangor for everyone – homeowners, renters, and businesses alike. Together, we can ensure Bangor remains an accessible, vibrant, and economically strong city for all.
Economy & Job Growth
A thriving, diverse economy is essential for Bangor’s future. As your City Council candidate, I’ll foster an environment where businesses can grow and create quality jobs. I’ll advocate for strategic infrastructure investments and streamlined processes to support existing businesses and attract new ones. Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs will be a priority. While respecting the School Committee’s role, I’ll work to ensure the city budget supports quality education with minimal taxpayer impact. I’m committed to promoting workforce development initiatives and championing the Downtown Bangor Partnership’s efforts to make our historic downtown a vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community. By building on these initiatives and creating an inclusive environment that values diversity, we can unlock our city’s full potential and build a stronger, more prosperous Bangor for all residents.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Bangor, and I believe everyone deserves a safe, stable home. As your City Council candidate, I’ll push for a comprehensive, actionable plan to address homelessness. If elected, I’ll advocate empowering our Homeless Response Manager and other experts to lead this effort, with full Council support. My focus will be on encouraging an infrastructure for effective collaboration between all stakeholders, including unhoused neighbors, service providers, and state representatives. I’ll push for clear, organized strategies that go beyond simply requesting funding. When engaging with state officials, we must come prepared with concrete plans and specific proposals. By trusting our experts and facilitating inclusive planning, we can work towards a Bangor that addresses immediate needs and establishes long-term stability and dignity for all residents.
Community Well-Being
Addressing Bangor’s social and public health challenges, especially substance use disorder and mental health issues, is a top priority. As your City Council candidate, I believe effective solutions must be guided by expertise and lived experience. If elected, I’ll advocate for the council to seek input from mental health professionals, addiction and recovery experts, community organizations, and individuals with personal experience. The council’s role is to listen, learn, and act on this guidance to develop a comprehensive city plan. This approach will help identify our community’s strengths and gaps, and determine how best to support existing providers. By focusing on informed decision-making and strategic support, we can build a safer, healthier Bangor. I envision a City Council that utilizes our community’s knowledge, working collaboratively to create an environment where every resident can thrive.
Public Transportation
Improving Bangor’s public transportation is crucial for our city’s future and quality of life. As your City Council candidate, I’ll advocate for a system that truly serves our community. While recent improvements like new bus stop signage are welcome, we must do more. Priorities include making transit information easily accessible online and developing a user-friendly app for efficient journey planning. Responding to residents’ feedback, I’ll push for expanded hours and Sunday service, essential for work, shopping, and healthcare access. We should also explore innovative solutions like metro-micro systems, similar to ridesharing, to offer more flexible service and address driver shortages. These improvements could create a more inclusive, environmentally friendly, and economically vibrant Bangor. I envision a public transportation system that’s not just functional, but a point of pride, enhancing our community’s quality of life and Bangor’s appeal as a destination.
Public Employees
Our public employees are Bangor’s backbone, providing essential services. As your City Council candidate, I’ll ensure they have the resources and support to serve effectively. While the City Manager handles direct pay negotiations, I can advocate for fair compensation and address staffing issues. I’m particularly concerned about our fire department’s challenges, including pay issues and high turnover. These brave frontline workers deserve our full support. If elected, I’ll push for creative solutions, including advocating to allocate unspent ARPA interest money as back hazard pay for firefighters’ extraordinary efforts during COVID-19. By valuing our public employees and addressing critical staffing issues, we can maintain and improve the high-quality services that Bangor residents depend on daily.
Accountability
Accountability isn’t just a campaign promise for me—it’s a proven commitment. As a concerned citizen, I’ve consistently monitored our city’s operations, asked tough questions, and brought important issues to light. From identifying discrepancies in official orders to questioning the delay in annual audits, I’ve demonstrated my dedication to transparency and good governance. If elected to the City Council, I’ll bring this same scrutinizing mentality to City Hall. I’ll push for accurate reporting, timely audits, and clear communication with the public. I believe informed citizens are crucial for a thriving democracy, and I’ll work tirelessly to ensure that Bangor’s government operates with the utmost integrity and openness. Together, we can create a more accountable and responsive city government.
Transparency & Communication
Transparency and effective communication are vital for building trust in local government. As your City Council candidate, I’ll revitalize key informational tools like Bangor’s Annual Report. This charter-mandated document should return to its former role as a comprehensive “yearbook” of our city’s achievements. I’ll advocate for a detailed, department-by-department account of government activities, fulfilling our charter obligations, and empowering citizens with knowledge. Well-informed residents are more likely to engage in civic processes and contribute to Bangor’s future. By enhancing the city’s comprehensive and clear communications like this crucial informational tool, we’ll build a more transparent and collaborative relationship between government and citizens. I’m committed to fostering open dialogue and encouraging participation in local governance. Together, we’ll ensure every voice is heard as we shape Bangor’s future.
Issues that Matter to You
Your concerns are my concerns. I want to know what matters to you. If there’s an issue you’re passionate about that isn’t listed here, please share it with me. Together, we’ll address the issues that are most important to you. Contact me and share your thoughts.
