Mathieu Duvall

Age: 56

Occupation: Education administrator

Political experience: Auburn Planning Board; mayor’s ad hoc committee on housing; 2025 Comprehensive Plan update committee. 

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

Although I am running unopposed for my seat, I want to express my core belief as it relates to governance. I seek to serve the citizens of Ward 3 in the city council. As a councilor, I will do my best to represent the needs of my constituents and to center the issues brought to me in my work. My experience on municipal boards and committees has prepared me for this role. I believe in using data and evidence in decision making, and look forward to having thoughtful conversations with my fellow councilors to make the best decisions for Auburn. 

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

I am approaching my candidacy with the goal of strengthening the community of Auburn. Two key components of this work are housing and the labor force. For housing, the city needs to work with the private sector to make more housing available to meet the needs of the entirety of the Auburn community. With regards to the labor force, it is critical to maintain our current base, and to expand our labor force through strong education programs and through attracting skilled workers to the city. 

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

Property taxes are a key issue in many municipalities around the state. On the council I will look to balance maintaining the city’s infrastructure and community programs with keeping the increases in property taxes at a minimum. I am pleased with the low increase we saw this past year. It will be important to try to broaden the tax base of the city to achieve a fair balance between residential, commercial, and retail sources. Additionally, it will be important to maximize the city’s use of revenue streams beyond property taxes.