Town council candidates debate housing, revenue and development as taxes loom

Town council candidates who spoke at the second hour of the event framed housing, revenue and development as interlocking problems tied to the schools bond and long‑term affordability.

Caitlin Jordan (incumbent) said the council has pursued an affordable‑housing study and noted ordinance changes and LD 2003 compliance are part of a longer process; she opposed the ordinance changes on procedural grounds and advocated continuing the study process. Penny Jordan (town council candidate) emphasized creating reserves and cautiously using ordinances to enable affordable housing while protecting town character. David Hughes (candidate) argued for an alternative study and expressed skepticism about the bond cost estimates; he suggested expanding the commercial tax base and exploring developer capacity fees and state revolving funds to ease residential burden.

On revenue, candidates mentioned grants, Efficiency Maine rebates, and leasing town‑owned land or charging fees (tour buses, fort parking) as limited options. On student tuition, candidates said allowing tuition students could bring revenue and diversity, but they noted housing and logistics questions would need resolution. All three said any development or ordinance change should be balanced against the town’s comprehensive plan and identity.