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By ANN S. KIM, Staff Writer October 29, 2007

GORHAM -- Eight candidates are competing for three seats on the Gorham Town Council, including an incumbent and a former council member.

Among the major issues are traffic and taxes, with most of the candidates weighing in on the need for economic development.

Much of the traffic discussion has focused on plans for a bypass road around Gorham's town center and the need for ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion.

PHILIP A. DUGAS

AGE: 78

ADDRESS: 145 Cressey Road

PERSONAL: Married, six children, two stepchildren

EDUCATION: Bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Maine

OCCUPATION: Retired educator

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Gorham Town Council, 12 years; veteran of the Korean conflict; professional baseball player in the 1950s

ON THE ISSUES: Dugas said the main reason he is running is to maintain the excellence of the school system. His second reason is to work diligently on the tax base so the elderly will not be taxed too heavily. Dugas noted that their incomes are not growing along with the cost of living.

DAVID J. HOMA

AGE: 31

ADDRESS: 271 Fort Hill Road

PERSONAL: Married, three children

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Southern Maine, completing a master's degree in land use and environmental planning at USM's Muskie School of Public Service

OCCUPATION: Stay-at-home parent, organic gardener, graduate student

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Chairman, Gorham Recycling Committee; environmental impact coordinator, Concerned Citizens of Gorham

ON THE ISSUES: Homa said the clash about a proposed quarry and an asphalt plant illuminates problems with the current comprehensive plan, codes and process. A future land-use map must take into account the inherent qualities of distinctly zoned areas and recognize that actions do not end at the property line, he said.

Growing small businesses in village areas will offset the stress that residential growth puts on the infrastructure and the ensuing taxes, Homa said.

He believes the establishment of viable centers of commerce in Little Falls, South Gorham and White Rock also will relieve some village traffic.

Homa said he wants town government to be representative, transparent and inclusive. He said he wants to work for a sustainable Gorham.

NORMAN E. JUSTICE JR.

AGE: 54

ADDRESS: 24 Wood Road

PERSONAL: Married, four children

EDUCATION: Gorham High School, attended Northeastern University and the University of Maine.

OCCUPATION: Facilities administrator, Scarborough Schools; owner-operator, Justice Farm

POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Town Council, 15 years, four as chairman; chairman, Regional Waste Systems, 2001-2003; Regional Waste Executive Committee, 1992-2003; Greater Portland Council of Governments, 1996, 2005-2007; Gorham Business and Civic Exchange; Maine Farm Bureau; Maine Beef Producers

ON THE ISSUES: Justice said Gorham faces a choice between change and proven, effective leadership that has moved the town forward while balancing the needs of the entire community.

Justice said he will work for economic development and growth through appropriate zoning and land-use codes that provide for quality development and enhancement of the tax base. He said he has worked to change Gorham's anti-development reputation to one of supporting quality growth.

Justice said he will continue to promote quality economic development and quality residential growth with requirements for impact fees and public utility extension mitigating the effect of residential growth on the taxpayers.

BURLEIGH H. LOVEITT

AGE: 60

ADDRESS: 200 Flaggy Meadow Road

PERSONAL: Married, three children

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Maine, doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri

OCCUPATION: Veterinarian, founder of Edgewood Animal Hospital; partner,...