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Michael Capeci is the former chairman of the Bangor Republican Committee. He is a Bangor resident who cares deeply about the future of his community and its local government.
Bangor voters are preparing to elect three members to the city council in what appears to be one of the largest fields of candidates in the city’s history. Each winner will serve a three-year term, and voters have an opportunity to help shape Bangor’s future.
Bangor has been an amazing place for me to live, and I care deeply about the direction of our city. From spending and taxation to crime and public health, Bangor faces significant challenges. Addressing them requires leaders who offer practical solutions, take fiscal responsibility seriously, and can work with others to get things done.
That is why I support Michael Furrow, James Gallagher and Jennifer McGinley Maskala.
Michael Furrow is a 30-year Bangor resident, veteran, husband, and father of two. He has regularly attended city council meetings for five years, taking the time to understand the issues facing our community.
As a young person, I appreciate Mike’s focus on economic development and retaining young people in Bangor. Our city needs to create opportunities for the next generation to build their lives here rather than leave in search of better prospects.
Mike also recognizes that Bangor cannot shoulder the entire burden of providing services for Eastern Maine. The state and surrounding communities must share responsibility for addressing regional challenges such as homelessness, substance use, and crime.
Equally important, Mike says he is committed to collaboration. Progress requires councilors who can work with colleagues and public officials, even when they disagree. His willingness to find common ground is one reason he has my vote.
James Gallagher is a lifelong Bangor resident who has owned multiple businesses downtown. His experience gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing local businesses and the downtown community.
I first met James in 2023, when I chaired the Bangor Republican Committee. What impressed me most was his willingness to speak with anyone willing to listen. By the end of our conversations, I realized we agreed on more than we disagreed on.
I share James’s view that Bangor needs to take more decisive action on homelessness. His proposal to declare a state of emergency and establish an emergency shelter deserves serious consideration.
As a business owner, James also understands the importance of sound fiscal management. His ideas for exploring new funding sources and providing property tax relief merit consideration as the city balances its budget and meets residents’ needs.
Above all, James seems to value transparency and listens to people regardless of their background or political views. He understands that effective local government requires accountability and public engagement. He has earned my vote.
Jennifer McGinley Maskala is the third candidate I support. I first heard Jennifer speak at the Bangor High School City Council candidate forum. Although I have not met her personally, I was impressed by her emphasis on government efficiency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
As program director for the Wild Blueberry Commission, Jennifer brings professional experience that could be valuable as Bangor confronts its budget challenges. Her call to return to basics by prioritizing infrastructure repairs while pursuing spending reductions and property tax relief is an approach worth considering.
Fiscal responsibility is not simply about cutting spending. It means directing limited resources toward essential services and maintaining the infrastructure residents depend on. Taxpayers deserve a city government that uses their money effectively and delivers results.
When choosing whom to support, I consider more than policy proposals. I also look for candidates who listen, collaborate, and can turn ideas into results.
Furrow, Gallagher, and Maskala each bring different experiences and ideas to Bangor’s challenges. I believe their approaches to economic development, homelessness, and fiscal responsibility deserve serious consideration.
Our city needs leaders who take taxpayers’ concerns seriously and remember that people can disagree on policy while remaining neighbors, not enemies. I encourage Bangor voters to learn more about these three candidates and consider supporting them in this year’s election.