Suzanne Phillips,
Gorham resident since 1985. 

Education: Gorham High School class of ’94; B.A. in Art and Education from University of Southern Maine.

Employment: Gorham Historical Society President; various local part-time jobs.

Personal: Married with 2 cats

Why should citizens vote for you?  

During my time on the Town Council, I have worked to honor the historical character and community values that make Gorham special. As we grow, we need balanced development that provides housing, supports local businesses, and preserves what makes Gorham unique. We must make thoughtful decisions about how fast Gorham grows, where development occurs, and how we manage its impact on our community. Affordability must remain a priority as families, seniors, and generational households face rising property taxes. The work done in recent years can help create a sustainable vision for Gorham—supporting responsible growth without sacrificing affordability, character, or community values.

 

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Samuel R. Purinton,
My family has been in Gorham going back to my great-grandmother. I’ve lived here since 2022. 

Education: Bachelor’s in Economics from Eckerd College.

Employment: Community Organizer 

Why should citizens vote for you?  

Gorham voters should vote for me because I want to fund Gorham’s schools and preserve Gorham’s quality of life. Gorham is a special place, and I’m worried that some recent projects, like the Amazon warehouse and proposed “Portland West” road, will turn Gorham from a family-friendly town into one that primarily services out-of-town interests. I understand the need to have a balanced tax base, but these projects are not worth the quality-of-life trade-off. I think Gorham can do better at protecting quality of life for residents, and that’s what I’ll do if elected.

 

 

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Charles (Lou) Simms

Gorham resident since 2020. My wife grew up here and we chose Gorham to raise our son closer to family.

Education: Master’s, Resource Admin & Mgmt, UNH (2014); Undergrad, International Studies, USM (2007). 

Employment: Senior Investment Officer at Maine Technology Institute;

Why should citizens vote for you?  

Gorham needs leadership that values our residents’ input and prioritizes our collective quality of life above the profits of a few corporate interests. We need to invest in our kids and our community – not a blank check, but thoughtful budgeting that prioritizes our people. We must evolve our land-use policies to meet today’s markets and contemplate how different types of development bring very different costs and benefits to our town. If elected, I will strive to preserve our remaining open spaces and family farms, while addressing the challenges of rising prices for housing, transportation, taxes, and other costs of living.

 

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Roger Kramer

Background: I’ve lived in Gorham for 50 years.

Education: Gorham High School graduate.

Employment: Self-employed for 37 years. My business has always been in Gorham. 

Why should citizens vote for you? 

We as a town have lost our way. There are always growing pains, those who have been in our community the longest are suffering the most. Property tax plays a roll in the towns patriarchs sufferings. We are heavily regulated with forced sprinkler systems to permits to build a shed or dog house. The towns people are not a piggy bank for the elected, it is the peoples town and those who are elected to serve should do no harm to the property owner. I am a realist with a strong moral, ethical and a common sense approach background.

 

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Nancy N. Flagg, Ph.D.

Background: Gorham resident for 2 years Leadership Consultant, B.A. Psychology,

 B.A. Sociology, M.A. American and New England Studies, Ph.D. in Leadership, USM, Fulbright, Commonwealth of Dominica 

Why should citizens vote for you? 

Gorham is adjusting to population expansion, technological advancement, and changing budget constraints. With my background of nearly 20 years as a local business owner and training in multiple areas including leadership at USM, I have multiple ways to contribute. Raised by a K-3 teacher and with my four children grown and finding their ways, I have time and an understanding of what this generation is facing as well as what their parent and grandparent generations are balancing. I want to give back and share what I have learned and have the flexibility in my life to do that right now. 

 

 

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Karl Krebs

Background: Gorham resident for 7 years; Behavioral Health Professional and Educational Technician at Margaret Murphy Centers for Children; Bachelor’s degree, University of Colorado; Former Gorham Schools educator, Father of two current Gorham students.

Why should citizens vote for you? 

After our schools opened back up following the 2020 shutdown, my work in Gorham Schools gave me valuable insight into the many ways our schools are intertwined with our greater community, even for residents and families who don’t have student-aged children. I want to make sure that our town continues to cultivate this important relationship, and I would love to be a steward to carry that forward. I am also mindful of the need to balance our residents’ financial realities with the allocation of adequate resources to operate our schools in a manner that best serves our students.

 

 

 

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Sheldon G. Jones

Background: Gorham resident for 41 years. Project Director in telecommunications construction. Gorham High School graduate. Married, love coaching youth t-ball and soccer. 

Why should citizens vote for you? 

As a lifelong Gorham resident and father of two young children working their way through our schools, I believe it’s important for parents to stay involved. Gorham has always been an excellent place to live and raise a family. I’ve also seen how much more expensive living here has become. I would bring a calm, levelheaded approach, along with experience managing construction projects, budgets, and crews. I would ask tough questions along with some simple ones; listen to educators, parents and residents; learn from fellow board members; and weigh costs and benefits before casting my vote. 

 

 

 

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Michelle Littlefield

Background: Grew up in Scarborough, moved to Gorham in 2013. Owner of Third Space Market.

Why should citizens vote for you? 

My goal is to ensure our children receive the best education we can provide. I believe in data-informed decisions and will continue to use my background in finance to constructively support and refine the budget process. We must address continuing facilities challenges head-on. I believe in making stronger connections at the state level to align legislation to actual practice. I look forward to applying lessons from my first term so that we can continue to improve how we serve our children and support our educators, while not losing sight of the needs of taxpayers. 

 

 

 

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Michael Lund Ziegler
Background: Gorham resident for 4 years. Executive Director, Portland Conservatory of Music. B.A. Music Education, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; M.M. Conducting, Ball State University. Married to my wife, Melissa, with 3 kids in the Gorham schools.

Why should citizens vote for you? 

Having started my career as a public school band, orchestra and choir teacher in Wisconsin, I am intimately familiar with what our teachers do each and every day to support our kids and understand the support they need to do that invaluable work. I now run a non-profit community music school in Portland and understand the challenges of accomplishing important things with limited resources. With three kids in the Gorham schools, I bring a collection of experiences and a perspective to the role that positions me to contribute in helpful and meaningful ways.

 

 

 

 

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Matthew Steinback
Gorham resident for 11 years.
Background: Master of Science degree in Psychology (2014), Bachelor’s degree in Psychology w/ a business concentration (2006); Specialty certificate in addiction treatment (2011). 

Why should citizens vote for you? 

Gorham voters should support me because I will bring experienced, thoughtful and independent leadership to the School Committee. As a father with two Gorham students and a behavioral-health executive and clinician with nearly 20 years of leadership experience, I understand the importance of our schools and the responsibility of leading complex organizations, managing budgets, and making difficult decisions. I will listen to students, families, educators, and taxpayers, ask careful questions, and follow the evidence. I’m committed to strong schools, student well-being, responsible stewardship, and transparent decisions that prepare every student to thrive. I would be honored to earn your vote.