Michael Beck

Wages / Job Benefits 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. Healthcare 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. Government Reform 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. Government Reform 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. Infrastructure / Transportation 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. Housing 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. Economy 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. Taxes / Budget If elected, I pledge to scrutinize our city’s finances, pushing for responsible budgeting that prevents unnecessary tax hikes. I’ll advocate for tax relief when we have excess revenues, ensuring that Bangor’s growth benefits all citizens. Housing 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.