A look at what’s on the ballot in Gorham

Gorham Prepares for November Election with Bond Referendum, Local Races, and Absentee Voting Drive

Gorham, Maine – As residents line up for absentee ballots, the town’s municipal center will be the hub for a broad slate of contests and a hefty $6.7 million bond measure that could reshape the high school’s future. The upcoming election, slated for Nov. 3, 2025, will feature the town council, school committee, a referendum for school renovations, and several state and county positions, all of which will be decided in a single vote.

Voting Locations and Hours

Depending on where voters live, they will cast ballots at one of three sites. Those in the northern wards head to Great Falls Elementary School, while residents of the western and southern parts go to the Shaw Gym by the Municipal Center. The eastern wards will use Gorham Middle School. All polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The town’s website lists full addresses for each ward and includes a voting map to help voters find their assigned location. Absentee voting is still active until Oct. 15, when it will shift from the clerk’s office to the council chambers through Oct. 29. Special absentee hours will be available on Oct. 27 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; regular hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Town Council Showdowns

Long‑time chair Suzanne Phillips—who has served four terms—faces a challenger in the open seat. Phillips says her priorities are “affordability, planning ahead in development, and strengthening the town’s tax base,” adding that she wants Gorham to be a “friendlier place for businesses.” She also points to managing the town’s large housing projects and improving communication between the council and residents.

One‑term councilor Lou Simms, who is up for reelection, says he focuses on supporting schools and balancing development costs with community interests. He argues that mixed‑use development can boost property‑tax revenue without adding new students to schools and that it creates gathering spaces for residents.

Newcomer Samuel Purinton is running for an open council seat, campaigning alongside Simms. Purinton stresses keeping property taxes low by concentrating development on already‑developed land and calls for greater transparency, especially after the council discussed a purchase‑and‑sale agreement with Amazon in executive session before a vote in August 2025. Purinton also criticized the town’s decision to sell land to the corporation.

Roger Kramer, another newcomer, entered the race but did not respond to a voter‑guide survey. He is competing for an additional open seat.

School Committee Contest

Three of the seven seats on the Gorham School Committee will be contested. Incumbent Michelle Littlefield is running for reelection. In her voter‑guide response, Littlefield said she wants to “ensure children receive the best education possible, support educators, and reduce burdens on local taxpayers.”

Five new candidates vie for the remaining seats. Nancy Flagg emphasizes fostering a healthy community, diverse achievements, and managing the evolving technology available to students. Sheldon Jones stresses the importance of resources for teachers and students, balancing spending with families’ affordability, and listening to all stakeholders. Karl Krebs aims to provide resources for alternative learning environments, promote diversity, and support community engagement. Michael Lund Ziegler calls for thoughtful, long‑term strategies to support teachers and families. Matthew Steinback focuses on safety, academic strength, mental‑health resources, substance‑use prevention, and transparent budgeting.

The $6.7 Million High‑School Renovation Bond

A key issue on the ballot is a referendum that would allow Gorham to borrow nearly $6.7 million for capital improvement projects at Gorham High School. The proposed bond would fund:

• Upgrades to parking, sidewalks, ADA access, and drainage at $763,000
• Replacement of six portable classrooms for $4.6 million
• Replacement of windows, doors, and brick veneer for $1.3 million

The renovation plan follows the district’s 10‑year capital improvement strategy, prompted by the fact that Gorham schools will not receive state funding for renovations for the next decade. Superintendent Heather Perry explained that the bond is a way to “move these projects forward and get the necessary changes made for our schools.” She noted that the last major renovation was completed in 1992.

The town council voted unanimously (7‑0) to place the bond question on the ballot. If approved, the council will decide the length of the bond period.

State and County Races

Maine Senate District 30, covering Gorham and part of Scarborough, will decide between Republican Thad Moody and Democrat Sophie Warren, a former state‑house representative for District 124.

In House District 108, which includes the western portion of Gorham, Republican councilor Kelly Dearborn faces Democratic incumbent Parnell Terry. House District 109, covering eastern Gorham, pits Republican Diana Kushnar against Democrat Seven Siegel, also a town councilor.

At the county level, Democrat Paul Aranson runs