Parks and recreation bond

Chaired the special committee on the facility; supported the ballot question, saying doing nothing isn't free and the building must be accessible to all.

Youth hockey coach and former parks committee member; strongly supported the bond, citing crumbling Sawyer Arena and consolidation savings.

Not totally opposed but asked the council to explore all funding options first, worried about $200-300/year more taxes on her fixed income.

Urged a no vote, arguing tax-driven rent increases would displace the 60% of Bangor who rent.

Former councilor; recommended tabling the bond, rescoping the project, capping the city's ice center contribution at $3-5 million, and validating needs against the new Y.

Lifelong resident and parent; argued waiting costs more and investment in kids pays off, supporting the ballot question.

Recalled past arena decisions; supports one rink but not two, and suggested fixing Sawyer Arena and using base land instead.

Neutral on his own taxes but generally supportive; echoed a woman's earlier plea for women's hockey facilities.

Praised the parks department working in a terrible building and supported putting the question to voters.

Fairmount homeowner sympathetic to elderly concerns but open to a cheaper version; warned many residents live on the edge.

Said he can't afford more taxes, proposed a reduced tax rate for low-income seniors, and reminisced about past rinks.

Waterfront Concerts owner; said the facility is a fantastic investment in youth and pledged support even as his own taxes rise.

Real estate agent who sees buyers priced out; urged the council to pair any ballot question with very clear cost communication to voters.

Hockey coach and business owner; both facilities are in desperate repair — let the taxpayers decide in June.

A before/after-school counselor for six years; the outdated building can't serve today's kids, and a new center would be a community hub.

Supports a new facility but said the council promised a revised, scaled-back proposal last August that never came; urged a no vote.

Argued the consultant plan duplicates the new Y, Boys & Girls Club, and Penquis childcare, and that taxpayer-only funding would get rejected at the ballot.