Incumbent Michael Michaud faces a challenge from newcomer to city politics, Amanda Heath, to represent Ward 3 on the Augusta City Council.

Michaud, 64, a sales manager at Gagne Concrete, has been on the City Council for two terms over six years, and previously served one year on the Augusta Board of Education.

Heath, 47, a hairstylist, has not previously held political office. She has served in the Job Corps and United States Navy.

Amanda Heath

Why are you running for Augusta City Council?

I feel Ward 3 could benefit from fresh representation. I would be a city councilor who has made the decision to live in the heart of, and raise my family, here in the neighborhood. I want to make sure that as Augusta makes plans for growth and expansion, resident voices are at the forefront of decision making. I want to ensure community members benefit from the improvements in the city.

What do you think are the most important issues in Augusta?

Just like everywhere in Maine, Augusta is having a housing affordability crisis. I would like to see more single-family starter homes built, and I think the City Council can work with planners on zoning rules to make that more achievable.

Many residents have also mentioned we have a problem with cars speeding through residential neighborhoods and commercial trucks cutting through residential streets, making it less safe for our kids.

What, if anything, should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

Homelessness is a much larger problem than just Augusta. It’s a problem all over the nation. The only way that we can solve the homelessness crisis is a three-pronged approach of supportive housing, mental health care and treatment, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. I don’t think that is something Augusta could do single-handedly. All elected officials, city, county, state and federal, need to pull together in the same direction to solve this.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

I will bring enthusiasm and the ability to work collaboratively to move our city forward. I have a vision to make the city the best it can be. It starts with little things like cleaning up roadside trash and making the street safer for our kids to play. Those little things expand to larger things such as public transportation and rehabilitating Western Avenue. With my enthusiasm and vision as a member of the City Council, and my desire to work collaboratively, we can move the city forward to benefit those of us who choose to call Augusta home.

Michael Michaud

Why are you running for Augusta City Council?

We’ve started a lot of really good things I want to see through. I’m chairman of a committee to revitalize Sand Hill and, potentially, we’ll have some (tax increment financing) money to help us work with neighborhoods and build them back to the vibrant neighborhoods they once were. I’ve been very stingy in approving budgets; I think they’ve not represented the needs and ability of taxpayers to finance a lot of the things on the municipal and school side. I want, these next three years, to fight for the taxpayers to make sure every dollar they contribute to the city is a well-spent dollar.

What do you think are the most important issues in Augusta?

Our housing stock is aging out. We have two projects in the works in Ward 3, Calumet apartments and another set of apartments that’s going to be built on Civic Center Drive, so that will help.

I think the City Council plays a big role, rezoning areas, making sure the city offers the right mix of housing, whether it’s low income housing that’s quality housing, with a combination of market rate. We want to make sure if someone is looking at Augusta, they have options for where to live.

What, if anything, should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

An issue for everybody in Augusta, and a lot of like cities, is how to deal with the unhoused population, how to make them safe and residents and constituents safe as well. We can have an ordinance and things, but there’s only so much authority and power we have. The city providing low-barrier shelters is keeping them warm and safe, but is not really a solution to the issue. It’s trying to get people the help and care they need, whether it’s medical or emotional, and some folks may just need some help to get their lives back together.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

I have six years experience serving on the Council and every time a constituent has brought an issue to me, I stay on top of it until it’s solved. I’ll fight for the constituents of Ward 3 but also every resident of Augusta to make sure they have a safe, comfortable place to live and their children get a quality education. My wife and I have been very involved in the community, with the backpack program we started in 2017, and we do a lot for veterans, and anybody who reaches out to us, if we can’t help them out, we find an avenue to help them.