IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Candidates Answer Our Questions

23 21 minutes read

Sanford and Springvale voters have several important choices to make when they go to vote on or before the Nov. 3 general election. The Sanford Springvale News sent a series of questions to all the candidates for local office and requested their responses. What appears below is their unedited answers (with a limited word count set by SSN). In next week’s edition of the SSN, you will see questions and answers from candidates for the Maine House and Senate. We will also include responses from any declared write-in municipal candidates in our next week’s issue.

Questions:

What motivated you to run for office, and what unique perspective do you bring?
What are your top two priorities for Sanford/Springvale?
How important is it to take protection of natural spaces and resources into account when considering new development?
Should Sanford voters have a say on the Aries Clean Technologies project or any data center development proposal through a local referendum?
How will you work with other council members to find common ground on divisive issues?

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR (alphabetically)

MATTHEW DUPUIS

I am running for office to start my political career. I really would like to run for Senate as a Republican with an Independent mindset in the future.
Sanford 2 issues at hand are a no. We need to focus on a new Veterans home in Southern Maine.
Combined with question 4.
Sanford voters should always have a say in projects that effect of the city. Weather its to protect natural resources or development the future, the over all project should be known and determined by the people of the city. I dont believe that either project is great for the City of Sanford in the long term.
It is simple we all work for the citizens of Sanford and every issue at hand should always be handled in a professional manor and discussed peacefully and with kindness. Sanford has a big chance to grow and we need the members in change to allow it to grow.

MAURA HERLIHY

I’m running because I know Sanford—I was raised here, run a business here, and volunteer here. My time on the City Council, including as deputy mayor, gives me a clear view of what this city needs. We’re in the middle of real progress: federally funded roadwork on Cottage Street, Main Street, and around Number One Pond, and a strong position for housing and business growth. My goal now is helping Sanford build on that momentum wisely.
My top two priorities carry equal weight. First, we must finalize a comprehensive plan to guide Sanford and Springvale’s future growth while protecting the character and assets our community values. Second, we need to sustain the economic momentum bringing new residents and businesses to our city, ensuring long-term stability without ever overlooking the practical, everyday needs of our nearly 23,000 current residents.
While we welcome new business, our environment shouldn’t pay the price for poor development. We are still dealing with the environmental effects from prior generations, and I believe we owe future ones better. That’s not just a personal value—it’s exactly why I supported the recent moratoriums on the Aries and data center proposals, and why I serve on the task force writing stronger environmental safeguards right now.
Sanford’s charter guarantees residents the right to bring issues to referendum, and that right is powerful: the Aries moratorium itself grew from a citizen petition with over 1,100 signatures. In response to those community concerns, the Council passed two separate moratoriums—one for data centers and one for biosolids processing. Each opens a critical window to shape new ordinances, up to and including a potential ban. I strongly encourage residents to stay actively engaged in this process.
Divisive issues are inevitable—as this year’s development debates have shown—but I don’t see that as a problem; I see it as democracy working. My priority is ensuring every perspective is on the table before we cast a vote. The Council won’t always agree, and that is healthy, as those differing opinions reflect the diverse views of our residents. My approach is rooted in real dialogue, ensuring we always reach the best decisions based on the best information.

PETER E. TRANCHEMONTAGNE

I’m running for mayor because Sanford needs City Hall to get on the same page and focus on what matters most to working people: public safety, growing Sanford, and supporting the community. For the past four years, I have shown up, done the work, and treated people with respect as a City Councilor. I know elected leaders need to set clear priorities, city staff need to carry them out, and everybody needs to answer to the public. As mayor, I will work to close the gaps between the Council, city departments, and administration, so City Hall works for every neighborhood.
My two biggest priorities are public safety and responsible growth that helps lower the tax burden. Families should feel safe in their neighborhoods, and people should feel safe going To work. We need clean streets, dependable services, and a City Hall that answers the call when problems come up. Smart, responsible investment can bring good jobs, stronger small businesses, and a bigger tax base to Sanford. That means putting the Industrial Complex and airport to work, bringing in businesses that fit our community, and making sure every project is out in the open and makes sense for taxpayers.
It is important to protect our natural resources. Sanford’s open spaces, water, and quality of life need to be part of every development decision. Strong state rules matter, but Sanford should hold every project to a high standard, too. Development must be responsible, out in the open, and built around what is best for Sanford.
Yes, voters should have a say on major projects through local referendums. As a City Councilor, I publicly called for a public vote on the data-center proposal. If residents collect enough valid signatures to put a major project before voters, they deserve to be heard without delay.
People are tired of partisan politics. I am too. It does not fix roads, lower taxes, or solve the everyday problems families face. We will not always agree, but we can listen, be honest about the facts, and work toward solutions that help Sanford—not a political party or somebody’s personal agenda. For the last four years, I have shown up, done the work, and treated people with respect. That is how I will serve as mayor: focused on Sanford and getting the job done.

DANIEL WHITE

You need not look too hard at the political atmosphere these days. Our divided national political environment need not set a president for progress in our City’s future. We need to take commonsense steps to progress. I would be happy to bring my 35 of years Business experience to the mix. Items presented to the city for it’s future can be meet with reason.
Sanford/Springvale need to increase it’s residential base for franchise development. We need to raise the household median income level. Good paying jobs with careers for multiple generations to come. This is a achievable goal with the right decisions being made today.
Sanford/Springvale have always been known for it natural beauty and resources. Springvale’s spring no longer runs clean. Our development needs to remember the future generations not just the now. There is many ways to have residential and commercial development with the use of commonsense today.
The Aries project and Data center needs to have public input. This is a very important decision that can’t be done today without more infomation. The current information presented to the City Council lacks the professionalism needed to make a clear and decisive conclusion. I also feel that by recognizing this early we need not bring it to an expensive vote on a ballot. The citizens need to have faith and communication with the Council and the Mayor. This maybe a problem that citizens lack trust in the current situation.
Common ground can be found in all aspects of life. We all make decisions that are not always “my way or the highway ” mentality. We all live here and are vested here. We need to take it down a few notches to see commonsense. If you don’t present a good viable plan to the City, you don’t move forward on it. After a committee review and input from the public the decision can be tabled if the City’s best interests are not met.

CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL (alphabetically)

ALEX CLARY

I ran for office because I felt that our city needs to be more responsive to the positions of our citizens and to do more to tackle the issue of housing affordability. I have worked nearly eight months to engage our community on the issues of data centers and sludge plants, and helped get two moratoriums passed with the support of the voters. I hope to continue this work for the voters at a city council level, and begin working towards lowering the barriers to owning a home in Sanford.
My priorities are simple: keep out the data center and sludge plant, and then focus on making Sanford Springvale affordable. These projects offer minimal jobs while worsening our image, potentially endangering our health and environment, and affecting property values in the city. We need our city council to ban them, and focus on getting the commerce we want: stores to fill our downtown, companies setting up shop in the mill, and industries like home manufacturing that actually contribute to solving our affordability crisis.
It is extraordinarily important. I can say as a member of Sanford Clean Air and Water Coalition and the Industrial Standards Task Force that we need to as a city better consider our natural spaces and the impact we have on them in our municipal planning process. Their value should be measured beyond simply their economic value because their impact will be felt beyond economic terms.
Yes, voters should have a say in these projects because they can present potentially serious harmful impacts to us the people living here. That’s why I worked to help over 1000 voters express their opinion through their signing of the moratoriums to put a pause on both these projects. I would support a ban to be considered either through local referendum or to be passed by city council directly.
I will work to negotiate with city councilors on their interests, not their positions. In my experience, when our positions seem irreconcilable and polarized, they actually mask shared interests that when discussed allow us to better move towards consensus. I will focus instead on listening to those interests to develop common ground and create a path forward that allows us to achieve the goals that best benefit our community.

MEAGAN CRAWFORD

As a local small business owner and mom to two young kids—including a toddler on the spectrum—I’m running because complaining doesn’t create change. Scanning our playgrounds and sidewalks for needles isn’t acceptable, and we deserve better. The status quo isn’t acceptable anymore. I’m bringing a fresh, grounded perspective to City Hall: one focused on safe streets, economic growth, and open communication. I’m investing directly where I’m raising my family to ensure our community thrives; it’s time for younger voices like mine to invoke change.
A Vibrant Main Street. We have a solid foundation to build upon with the RAISE grant, existing resources (Sanford Economic Growth Council, Friends of Downtown, and the Chamber of Commerce) to attract new and support existing businesses. Hope is on the horizon to turn potential into reality. Livability & Community Wellbeing. The unhoused population creates issues that affect our ability to live in harmony; Home for Good is a viable solution. Spreading awareness is crucial to restore faith that our concerns are heard and change is imminent.
Protecting our natural spaces is essential; short-sighted decisions bring lasting consequences to our children’s future. While I understand our community is feeling the financial crunch, desperation shouldn’t drive us to accept high-risk projects like a data center or the Aries sludge plant for unproven tax revenue. Sanford shouldn’t be a testing ground for debt-ridden developments. I’ll bring research-rooted critical thinking to the City Council to protect what we cherish while responsibly building the future we actually want.
Direct referendums on highly technical projects carry real risk. In an era where misinformation spreads quickly, complex decisions require thorough, research-backed due diligence rather than soundbites. Low turnout on past votes (ex: new fire stations) shows that referendums don’t always yield representative results for major municipal choices. Your voice matters, but the solution isn’t shifting complex technical vetting to the ballot—it’s electing Council members who will do the hard research, maintain complete transparency, and actively involve the public throughout the process.
City Councilor is a role that serves the community as a whole, not by party affiliation. I’ve had conversations with folks that I don’t align with but our differences can be opportunities to shift perspective, or learn something new. I will always come to the table to listen to understand; I’m not afraid to ask questions and dig deeper. Staying curious, informed, and objective are all skills I will use to respectfully find common ground.

SHAWN GOODWIN

My motivation is to help community growth and steer Sanford/Springvale in a positive direction. This is my first attempt at public service. I do not take this lightly. As a city council member, it would be my responsibility to represent my community and let everyone’s voice be heard.
Industry and taxes. Industry: we need to focus on good paying jobs that help people stay in the community. Currently we are bringing in industry does not pay a “livable wage”. We need to focus on bringing in jobs that citizens can make sustainable wages with. Taxes: a giant concern. Bringing in stronger industry should help lower the tax burden. Another idea is reviewing budgets and services. One thing to make clear is I in no way want to take resources from teachers. We need a budget, so teachers are able to just go to school and teach. When I say review budgets and services, I mean looking at the differences between wants and needs. We must make sure roads get taken care of, so can we review trash pick-up? We all hate the town trash bags, but are you willing to bring your own trash to the dump if we could work to get the hours adjusted? I believe the best way to find answers is through solid discussions. I might not always agree with the outcomes, but if it is best for our city, that is what we should do.
Protection of natural spaces and resources is vital. Are we trying to be the next Portland or the first Sanford/Springvale? How much of the land in this city do want to fill with hardscapes? I love the parks in this city they provide wonderful areas for children. Do you want to tear out parks to have more apartments? The more resources that are used, the more they are put at risk.
Yes. I believe any large scope project with this much potential impact should have say from the citizens. We do need to be careful. We need to make sure we are business friendly so we can help our community grow and to make sure the reward of the new businesses is worth the risk.
My ability to communicate while bringing people together. We will all have objections at some point, but we all must work as a team. Divisive issues can foster great conversation and ideas, but the final answer is what is best for our city.

BRYCE LAMBERT

The most recent raise in property taxes was my final motivator. Sanford is where I was born & raised, have built my home, & where I own 2 businesses/work – I want it to be a safe, clean, affordable place for kids, tax payers, and businesses.
Welcome more/diverse industries to lower the tax burden by making requirements and guidelines simpler, more streamlined, and more easily accessible. Sanford needs to be, and become known as, a place that’s easy to deal with and open businesses in. Also, address, and hold accountability for, recurring issues in the city by conducting yearly reviews, surveying taxpayers regarding their interactions with city departments, etc – similar to how businesses operate.
It’s very important. Sanford already has designated areas zoned for industry, where impact on natural spaces and resources had been taken into consideration. It’s alsoimportant to find a middle ground with the developers who have purchased land in these established industrial zones, and did so with the intent of building industrial infrastructure.
I’d like to bridge the gap between council and our taxpayers, ultimately negating the need for referendums in general. I will prioritize actively listening to the concerns of our community and resolving/addressing specific issues through respectful discussion, and thoughtful and clear communication. Referendums have a tendency to take very nuanced and complex issues and boil them down to a simple yes or no. These are projects where most aspects individually are negotiable and should benefit the city as a whole.
With meaningful discussion, by listening to others differing opinions with the intent to understand where they are coming from, and by understanding that not everyone is going to agree on everything. I’m a big proponent of facts, and do not/will not operate by just agreeing with other council members because it’s the easier thing to do.

JONATHAN MARTELL

I initially decided to run due to the trash bag issue and taxes. My reasons have expanded to many other areas during my two terms as a current City Councilor. I grew up in Sanford, and my experience as a Councilor and lifelong resident help me to better understand the unique challenges and people of Sanford.
Lower Taxes for families and sustainable growth of job producing businesses.
As a lifelong Sanford resident, I have seen the effects of poor practices firsthand. There was the circuit board site on New Dam Road that left acres of waste. The woolen mill is another site that has had long lasting environmental issues. Any new development needs to balance the long term impact with its benefit to the community.
I support local referendums for both of these projects. There are currently groups reviewing the data and potential impacts of these projects. Information is needed if the voters are to make informed decisions, as I have seen misleading ads for the Aries site being pushed on social media. Citizens should have as much information as possible to make informed decisions.
The common ground should always be what is best for Sanford. We may not always agree on what that is but we can’t spend our way to prosperity. We must be good stewards of the resources we have. Good leaders communicate calmly and find solutions together. That has been my track record to date in my two terms as Councilor. I will continue to put forth a good faith effort to find common sense solutions that work best for the city, whatever the issue may be.

VICTORIA PARIYAR

I am in downtown Sanford every day running my business and watching the good and not so good of our city right out my shop window. I listen as our residents and out-of-town customers tell me their thoughts on what needs to happen, what Sanford was, what Sanford should be. I meet our young residents trying to connect with the community.
The community is where the priorities for Sanford need to spring from, not me. Sanford’s Comprehensive Plan and Friends of Downtown Sanford have both gathered a wealth of input from the community. Top priorities are safety, livability, and business growth. My focus and experience would be on livability and healthy business growth for our city.
I believe that the protection and health of our natural resources need to be front and center of any new development projects.
Absolutely yes. The community should have open access to all the information available so that they are able to make informed choices about major and community changing development that corporations are proposing here in Sanford.
The City’s issues are complex and the budget is tight, I am going to work really hard to debate, compromise and collaborate with fellow council members to make the difficult decisions.

MICHAEL PERRY

I decided to run because I care deeply about this community and believe I can contribute something meaningful to its future. After nearly 25 years in public service and years of involvement in Sanford and Springvale, I’ve learned that good leadership starts with listening, building relationships, and earning people’s trust. As Kouzes and Posner’s First Law of Leadership says, “If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message.” I try to look at the bigger picture, listen to different perspectives, and be willing to change my mind when I learn something new.
My top priorities are keeping Sanford and Springvale affordable and making sure growth is responsible. Rising property taxes and the cost of living are putting real pressure on people, and city decisions need to take that into account. At the same time, growth should support local businesses, create more housing options, protect essential services, and strengthen our neighborhoods. We have to deal with the challenges in front of us while also thinking about what our decisions will mean years from now.
I believe economic development and protecting the environment can, and should, go hand in hand. As we look at new development, we need to think about what it means for our water, natural spaces, and other resources, not just today but years from now. I support careful environmental review, clear responsibility for cleanup when it is needed, and making sure new development does not create problems that future generations are left to deal with.
For projects this large, I believe voters should have a meaningful say. Not every development decision needs to go to referendum, but projects that could have a major impact on our infrastructure, natural resources, city finances, or the character of Sanford and Springvale deserve more public involvement. Residents should have clear information about the benefits, costs, risks, and long-term responsibilities before a decision is made. With projects like these, transparency and public trust really matter.
I would start by looking for where we agree and trying to understand what is behind our differences. Kouzes and Posner’s Second Law of Leadership says, “Do What You Say You Will Do.” To me, that means listening, asking questions, acknowledging when someone has a fair point, and being willing to say when I may have gotten something wrong. I’ll be honest about where I stand, follow through on my commitments, and keep the needs of Sanford and Springvale at the center of the conversation.

CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE (alphabetically)

Questions:

What prompted you to run for school committee and why now?
What experience or perspective would you bring to the school committee?
What do you believe are the most important issues currently facing the Sanford Schools?
Why should you be elected?

PAULA COTE no picture submitted

I am running for my third term on Sanford’s School Committee. I am running for several reasons: I love this community, my husband and I chose to raise our family here because we feel that Sanford is a very special place. I believe that part of being a good citizen is to give back to the community you call home. As a former teacher and mother of 5, I can’t think of a better way to serve our city than to give of my time and energy to our school system and our students. I love the work that we do as a School Committee.
I bring the perspective and experience of a former educator and a parent of 5 kids all whom have graduated from the Sanford school district or are currently attending our high school. I am also currently serving my 6th year as a member of Sanford’s school committee.
Our biggest challenge is providing the best education for our students while balancing the burden to local tax payers. This is a difficult task that becomes increasingly challenging year to year due to rising costs, unfunded mandates and a faulty Maine school funding formula.
I bring knowledge and understanding of our districts’ policies, programs, challenges and opportunities gained during my 6 years as a school committee member. I believe this gives me a long-term perspective that will be needed to keep our district moving forward as we navigate through the many changes that are affecting not only the future of education but the future of our district. I would love to continue serving Sanford in this capacity. I am a firm believer in the proverb, “It takes a village”. My husband and I chose to raise our family here because we feel that the Sanford community takes this saying to heart. As a family, we have been the recipients of Sanford’s caring and selfless nature many times. Serving on the school committee is a priviledge that allows me to give back to the place we call home. I hope to have that priviledge again.

BRIANNA GIRONDA

I am running because I care deeply about Sanford and believe strong public schools are one of the best investments we can make in our community’s future. Sanford Schools change my older child’s life for the better and I want to give back so as many other families can have that same experience. As the parent of a middle schooler and a pre-k student in Sanford schools, I see both the immediate needs and long term impact of today’s decisions. After entering my third year on the Middle School PTA (my second as an officer) and volunteering in the community, I am ready to contribute more directly and help
I would bring the perspectives of a strategic operations manager, a parent, former preschool teacher, PTA member, and active community volunteer. Those experiences have shown me that children learn best when their academic, social, and physical needs are supported and when families and educators work together. I would also bring a practical, collaborative approach, listen to teachers and families, ask thoughtful questions, use data to understand what is working, and consider both the educational and financial effects of decisions before acting.
Sanford must serve a growing, economically and culturally diverse student population while managing academic gaps, aging facilities, staff workload, and limited resources. We need early literacy and math intervention, strong attendance and graduation supports, and programs that keep students connected, including CTE, arts, activities, and recess through middle school. We must also support and fairly compensate teachers without continually adding to the workload. The challenge is improving outcomes while carefully reviewing spending, pursuing outside funding, and avoiding unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
I would be a thoughtful, practical, and community focused member of the School Committee. I will listen to families, students, educators, and taxpayers; ask clear questions; and base decisions on evidence rather than assumptions. I will endeavor to work along side the other committee members to help set responsible priorities, approve sound policies and budgets, and hold the district accountable. I would work to protect what is successful, improve what is not, support teachers, and ensure every Sanford student has a fair and equitable opportunity to succeed.

LISA PRITCHETT

Running for this committee wasn’t originally part of my plan. But in the past few years of my work in schools, I’ve seen the impact that the COVID pandemic and school closures have had on our children. They have more difficulty socializing, or making eye contact. They have less confidence, and seem more unsure of themselves. Many are exhibiting behavior issues that are proving more challenging to our teachers. I feel a need to help and as I have recently retired, I now have time to give back to our community.
I have over 25 years of experience in education at all levels from elementary to middle to high school. I’ve had three children go through school and now have a grandchild in school. I’ve been a parent volunteer, substitute teacher, math and literacy lab instructor, middle school field hockey and softball coach, and a ski club advisor. I also worked in a private special education school for behaviorally challenged teens and was on its board. I even have experience working with adults as a former instructor at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
How can the schools work with increasing numbers of students with challenging behaviors and support students with increasingly complex needs? How to find and keep quality staff. Staff burnout and turnover are a concern (for example: 19 new staff started at CJL this fall). How to maintain services for students while coping with increasing costs for health insurances, food expenses, diesel fuel for buses, etc. Finding a balance in the use of technology. Laptops, Smart boards, etc. have their place, but an over reliance on technology can lead to the detriment of student social interactions. Improving communication between the schools and staff with parents and the community.
I’m hardworking and a good listener, willing to consider all points of view. I care about our children and want to help them be successful. I understand the challenges that our teachers and staff face every day and will work to support them. As a taxpayer, I’m also mindful of the impact the school budget has and that we have to be good stewards of the $$ that go to education.

CANDIDATES FOR WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT

Questions:

What elected or volunteer boards and committees have you served on?
What do you believe are the most important issues currently facing the Sanford Water / Sewer District?
Should we balance development with protecting natural spaces and resources?

KEVIN EATON – SEWER – WAITING FOR RESPONSE

BRIAN SAMIA – WATER no picture submitted

I currently serve as the Sanford Springvale Soccer Association President. I have coached for this organization for 5 years and have served on its board for the past 4 years. I serve as fundraising chair for the Sanford Springvale Little League and have coached Little League teams for the past 5 years. I have served as a member of the Sanford Springvale Development Corporation for the past 2 years. I am a current board member of the Kiwanis Club of Sanford, ME and have been a member of this organization for many years. In previous years I have served as Sanford Trail Committee member, board member of Child Care Services of York County, and a member of the Finance and Oversight Committee at Curtis Lake Church.
The most important issue facing the Sanford Water district currently is maintaining a safe and secure water system. The district will be constructing PFAS treatment facilities at two of its water sources over the next several years to ensure these important sources stay online and provide safe water to our community.
Yes, balancing development and protection of natural spaces and resources is vitally important to making Sanford a thriving community. We are fortunate to have an abundant subsurface water source in Sanford that can supply water for future development in our community. At the same time it is important to plan future development in a manner that protects this water source and the natural spaces that make Maine and communities like Sanford a great place to live.

KEVIN EATON – SEWER – no submission

Local Candidates Night

Sponsored by Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce.

Thurs, Oct. 1: Mayor & City Council candidates, 6PM, City Council Chambers
Thurs, Oct. 8: School Board & State Legislative candidates, 6PM, City Council Chambers

Both events will be livestreamed. Links will be posted when available: Upcoming Election Information

Vote or register to vote at the City Clerk’s office

Regular hours: Mon-Thurs: 7:30 AM -5:30 PM

Extended Hours: