Mike Waddell candidate statement

The Town of Gorham has arrived at a critical juncture, with the expected loss of multiple important seasoned employees. Town Manager Peter Gagnon will retire on July 12. Finance Officer Bronson Paradis expects to be relocating out of state this summer. And Police Chief Jim Willhoite plans to retire in September. Hiring the right people for these three positions will be challenging. A stable, experienced Select Board is essential for easing these kinds of transitions.

Many residential homeowners have experienced huge tax increases in the last few years. My own property taxes have gone up 84 percent. This situation is due to the dramatic rise in value of residential properties while valuations on large commercial and utility properties have remained relatively stable. For example, beginning in 2021 as a base year, and after two revaluations, Great Lakes Hydro saw a tax savings of $293,193 in 2025. Wal-Mart also benefited from the revaluations and saved $221,592 on their last tax bill. Both amounts are relative to 2021’s bill. There are many other examples of business property taxes decreasing, remaining stable, and a few that increased like residentials. This is how the State system works — When two taxpayers save a half million dollars a year the rest of us pick up the tab.