Belinda Gerry

Age: 66 

Occupation: Auburn city councilor, at-large; Notary public     

Political experience: Three terms in the Maine Legislature; three terms as Auburn city councilor

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate, for this seat?

As a lifelong Auburn resident and through my public service I have built a strong relationship within our community and know firsthand what many are going through. When possible I try to help them work out their difficult situation. 

I’m known to listen to my constituents, valuing their input, do my homework and then voting accordingly for what is right for Auburn, its residents and mom and pop businesses.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them. Be specific.

Two key issues critical to Auburn’s future are the shortage of attainable housing and accessible services to reduce homelessness. I want to continue to work to put plans in place with startup funding in the next budget to address these issues. We need to work better with developers to build more attainable, not market rate, apartments to keep our families and young people here.  Many are losing their homes to outrageous rents by landlords making them homeless. I want to continue to put in place services to help prevent homelessness before it starts and help those that want a way out.

Auburn, like many other municipalities, is seeing rising property taxes resulting from higher property values. What can Auburn do to address this issue?

Auburn residents see a rise in their taxes for various reasons. When a property sells for an inflated price, it triggers a property of like size with a home — even if nothing is done to improve (it) — the other properties value go up.  Property values could also go up and possibly down through citywide re-evaluations. 

Auburn can soften the financial blow by listing available programs some can qualify for for property tax deductions. We need to keep the city’s budget better in check through spending within our means, limiting bonding, then downsizing the footprint of city government.