Four candidates are seeking election to two at-large seats on the Augusta City Council.

Incumbent William Savage, 57, an assistant attorney general for the state, previously served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002 and has been a councilor since 2023.

Incumbent Stephanie Sienkiewicz, 35, a stay-at-home parent and community volunteer, has also been on the council since 2023.

Challenger Wyatt Beaulieu, 28, is an IT and marketing consultant who has no prior political service.

And challenger Joshua Lilley, 33, manager of a local retail store, also has no prior political service.

Stephanie Sienkiewicz

Why are you running?

I care deeply about the welfare of my community and believe I can offer relevant skills, time and perspectives that help shape our future for the better. It also feels as though the council is in the middle of many long-term processes, and I want to see them through.

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

Housing insufficiency remains a top issue at the national, state and local level. We have taken steps to increase housing in the city and are in the midst of more. Hand in hand with this is economic development. There are persistent areas that provide opportunity for growth — vacant buildings left behind as box stores become less prevalent, downtown buildings in need of repair, supporting small businesses in a turbulent economy. I will work with fellow councilors and city staff to find opportunities for the city to be a driver of economic development.

What should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

First is to continue to prioritize housing. We need more units of all types of housing to address housing scarcity and high prices. The city can also support the development of supportive housing and various levels of shelters for individuals who do not have the skills to maintain housing on their own. We should continue to strive to balance support and safety for all our citizens — housed and unhoused. This multipronged approach allows us to be nimble and provide services targeted to the need at hand.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

I show up thoroughly prepared to engage in the topics of the day; and I actively collaborate with my colleagues on the council and city staff in meetings. I am highly responsive to resident outreach and have facilitated numerous requests along the proper channels within the city.

William Savage

Why are you running?

I’ve been on the Augusta City Council for three years and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to give back to this community while engaging in thoughtful and informed problem solving with fellow councilors, city staff and the community.

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

The top three issues I see are maintaining quality education, encouraging economic development to broaden and stabilize our tax bases, and increasing housing opportunities. These issues are closely intertwined, with quality education, housing and economic vitality all coming together to create a place people want to live and work. I want to continue incentivizing business and housing development that encourages other developers and financial institutions to
want to continue to invest in Augusta.

What should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

The city is already prioritizing the creation of new housing units at every price point
using tools such as tax increment financing and expediting permitting. This is necessary to create a competitive supply/demand situation and to allow for mobility within the housing market. We need to aggressively continue that effort. Coordination of services by providers of public safety, healthcare, mental health services, food, shelter and other life necessities is crucial to maximize the potential benefits of the limited public and private resources available.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

I have learned a lot in my first term and want to continue using that experience to represent this very vibrant community in making thoughtful, responsible choices for the future. Professionally and politically, I have had a lot of experience learning how government works and I find that experience to be very helpful in tackling many of the issues presented to the council.

Wyatt Beaulieu

Why are you running?

As a multi-generation, lifelong resident of Augusta, this city is a source of pride for me. I’m a homeowning father of two, and I’ve seen firsthand how rising taxes and safety concerns affect families.

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

The most important issues in Augusta come down to three things: taxes, transparent spending and safety. As a city councilor, I will work hard to ensure no new tax increases are necessary by making sure every department uses its budget efficiently and responsibly. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going. When it comes to safety, I’ll support practical measures and proposed ordinances that make Augusta a safer, cleaner city.

What should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

Shelters and rehabilitation programs are important, but we also need to focus on why people become homeless in the first place. We need to address these root causes instead of responding only after the fact. Another factor is the lack of stable career opportunities. The city should work to attract and retain employers that offer long-term positions with room for advancement. When people can build a career, support their families and afford their homes, we create lasting stability.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or independent, the policies I support will improve life for everyone in our city. Taxes affect all of us. They don’t stop at property owners. When costs rise, landlords pass those increases on to renters, and families across Augusta feel the impact. I understand that, because I live it. too. Homeowners, renters, young or old — I’m out there every day talking with residents and working hard for every single one of them.

Joshua Lilley

Why are you running?

I care deeply about Augusta and its future. I believe we need to get back to the basics — the city needs to work for its people again.

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

Our friends and family are choosing to leave our community to go elsewhere because they can no longer afford to live here. We need to stabilize taxes through smart, long-term financial planning that allows us to responsibly manage increases and maintain a balanced budget, while still paying our bills. We also need to be able to drive down city streets, walk on sidewalks, shop in our historic downtown, and run on our rail trail without fear. We have fantastic spaces and great outdoor resources many people feel unable to use due to safety concerns. We need to address these issues and come up with common-sense solutions to help our city.

What should the city do to address homelessness in Augusta?

We must do something, especially as cold weather approaches. It’s a tough situation because every individual in that scenario is different and the solutions can’t be the same. We need to find long-term care for those able and willing to get it. We have some impressive programs already and need to lean on their success and support them. We need to look at other cities who have addressed this and adopt new strategies to help our community.

Why should an Augusta resident vote for you?

I am invested in Augusta’s future, because it is my future. Vote for me if you want someone who listens and communicates and is willing to work with you and, ultimately for you, in Augusta.

In addition to the candidates who qualified to be on the ballot by submitting nomination papers, there is also a declared write-in candidate for the seat, Paul Lewis.