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I am running for city council because I want a safe and thriving Bangor for everyone. My husband and I chose Bangor because we were enamored by its iconic small-town beauty and rich history. Although Bangor is bigger than most cities in Maine, it hasn’t lost its small-town charm.
Bangor’s population hasn’t grown much since the 1970s. Now, with an aging population, we need to reinvent ourselves to attract young professionals to this area. Economic development should focus not just on the here and now, but also on creating professional jobs, training, and sustainable industries. We need to grow our businesses and infrastructure in a way that builds the economy without losing our charm.
My goal for this city is to build on the existing infrastructure while negotiating with larger businesses to drive economic growth without harming local businesses. Doing so could shift the tax burden away from the citizen, while expanding the tax base. Thus, allowing a more affordable Bangor for all.
I don’t have all the answers, but I am committed to this city. If elected, I will base my decisions solely on research and facts, not on feelings. You may not like everything I have to say, but I will never placate special-interest groups that may not have Bangor’s best interest at the forefront. Let’s bring Bangor back!
Colleen O’Neal
Bangor
Election notice: The BDN will stop accepting letters and columns related to the Nov. 4 election on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Not all submissions can be published.
