AUGUSTA — Three political newcomers are competing for one at-large seat on the Augusta City Council.

The candidates are Bobby-Jo Bechard, Annalee Morris-Polley and Joseph Wathen, each of whom took out nomination papers seeking a three-year term in the at-large spot held by Abigail St. Valle, who is not seeking reelection Nov. 5.

Bechard, 50, said she has seen firsthand how inclusive decision making can strengthen communities, and she wants to foster that spirit in Augusta. She said she has spent years working in the community and addressing issues such as housing, mental health and public safety, and is committed to listening, collaborating and finding solutions that reflect the needs of all residents.

Morris-Polley, 46, said that as a third-generation Augusta resident who has raised her children in the city and runs a business providing behavioral and substance use disorder treatment services, she has deep roots in and understands the community and is committed to helping it grow and be better than ever. She said she has a proven record of leading a team of professionals, must make sound financial decisions on a daily basis and has spent years advocating for those who are struggling.

Wathen, 28, said as a lifelong resident of Augusta, he wants to give back to the city and bring a fresh perspective and a different generation’s viewpoint to municipal issues.

Bechard said the most pressing issues facing the city revolve around three key areas: affordable housing, safe and walkable streets and mental health support.

She said she would advocate for expanding affordable housing by encouraging mixed-use developments, providing incentives to developers, exploring creative zoning reforms, streamlining the permitting process and considering housing assistance for first-time buyers.

Bechard said she would push for improved sidewalks, bicycle lanes and road safety measures, including enhanced crosswalks and street lighting. She also said she would advocate for increased investment in mental health services, including peer support and recovery programs, while working to reduce stigma through open dialogues and community engagement.

Bechard said Augusta’s efforts to effectively help those who are homeless must go beyond providing shelter. She said the city must assist them in achieving long-term self-sufficiency by ensuring access to adequate housing, including living environments with peer support, recovery coaching and community health workers, and through programs that focus on life skills, job training and financial literacy.

Morris-Polley said Augusta is facing important issues, including the need to develop a health center within the school system, funded by state and federal money — instead of local tax dollars — to help children who are struggling.

She said she also supports developing a transportation system that allows residents to get around the city to meet their basic needs, and encourages adding many types of housing by working with developers to rehabilitate old buildings and provide new construction.

Morris-Polley said helping those who are homeless requires connecting them with the appropriate resources, including multiple specialty businesses, though there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, she said, solutions require cooperation by landlords, substance use and mental health professionals, recovery home operators and those who work for general assistance, with voucher programs or in code enforcement.

Wathen said the two biggest issues that Augusta residents have discussed with him are the city’s homeless population and property taxes. He said as a city councilor, he would work collaboratively with other councilors to address fair levels of property taxation.

He also said assisting those who are homeless requires working with public and private agencies to determine the resources that are already available.

Wathen said Augusta would benefit from ensuring that more businesses want to open in the city. He said the successful economic development model used in the downtown area should be used in other areas of Augusta.

He also said the city should host more community events to “bolster and strengthen the perception that Augusta is a great city to visit and call home.”

“An example of this is the Ironman (70.3 Maine) event, which showcases our great city,” Wathen said. “I am used to working with groups of people to get stuff done, and, if elected, will work with everybody to make sure the city of Augusta is headed in the right direction.”

Morris-Polley said the way for Augusta to improve in a number of ways is for people to make compromises toward finding solutions.

“I believe the ability to listen to all sides and perspectives is important to create solutions,” she said. “I want to utilize compromise in our decisions about the city of Augusta. If elected to City Council, compromise and listening to all sides will be a foundation of how I work.”

Bechard said improvement in Augusta requires a welcoming environment in which residents, tourists and other visitors can appreciate the city’s natural beauty, extensive trails and rich history. She said the city can strengthen community connections by expanding opportunities for live entertainment, the arts and affordable family activities.

“Augusta is the heart of my family’s livelihood, and I’m dedicated to making this city an even better place for all of us,” Bechard said. “I’ve worked hard to overcome challenges and build a life I never thought possible, and that sense of pride fuels my commitment to this community.”

In other races, incumbents Mayor Mark O’Brien and Ward 2 City Councilor Kevin Judkins are uncontested in their bids to retain their seats.

City councilors are paid $200 a month for their service, while the mayor is paid $250 a month, in accordance with the city charter.