SANFORD — Three candidates are vying for two three-year city council terms, while four people are in the running for one partial seat that expires Dec. 31, 2016.

Seeking three-year terms are incumbents Maura Herlihy and Joseph Hanslip, as well as Steve Bruno, who ran in 2012.

Seeking to fill the partial term are incumbent Dianne Connolly, along with Margaret Trowbridge, Lucas Lanigan and Victor DiGregorio, who has run previously.

The partial term exists due to the resignation in January of Councilor Ken Burgess. Connolly was appointed in June to fill the position until the Nov. 4 election.

The candidates participated in a forum hosted by the Sanford Strong Coalition on Oct. 23. Here are their answers to some of the forum’s questions:

Ӣ Bruno, 64, is married and has several children and grandchildren. He is a semi-retired contractor and ran for the council in 2012. He says property taxes have increased 50 percent over the past 10 years.

“A lot of people can no longer meet their obligations,” he said.

Bruno said, if legalized, marijuana should be controlled like alcohol.

“Kids will either try it or not,” he said.

Bruno said if homelessness is a problem in Sanford, then a shelter, with social workers to assist people, should be available. He said there’s not enough communication between the city leaders and its citizens.

“If you’re not in touch with citizens, you are not representing them,” he said.

Bruno advocates for a council meeting once or twice a year that would be dedicated solely to discussing citizens’ concerns.

Ӣ Hanslip, 53, is single. He is a bail commissioner and former police officer. He retired from the force early after being injured in the line of duty. He is seeking his fourth term.

He said property taxes are at the rate they’re at in Sanford because of the curtailment of state funds, and he pointed out the city has cut back, too, laying off personnel. He said the property-tax burden can be alleviated by making the city more attractive to businesses.

Hanslip supports the use of medical marijuana, but not further legalization. He said studies have shown that problems arise with information retention if the drug is used early in life. He said educating young people about marijuana is important.

As to homelessness, Hanslip said he believes there are systems in place to help people, but said a better job of outreach is needed.

He said the city has been in a reaction mode for the past three years, because of the state and federal economies.

”¢ Herlihy, 45, is single. She manages Townhouse Properties, a family-owned commercial and residential real estate business, and is president of Sanford Downtown Legacy. A town councilor for two terms ”“ from 2004-09 ”“ she ran and was re-elected in 2012.

She said the state cut back on revenue sharing, aid to education and the homestead exemption, resulting in an overall uptick in property taxes. She said Sanford is working on making quality of life a priority.

Herlihy said she believes marijuana is a gateway drug. She said attempting to legalize marijuana sends the wrong message, and that children must be educated about how damaging it can be.

Herlihy said the community has resources to assist the homeless and has to make sure folks know about them.

She said Sanford has to invest in the new high school and technical center, expand the availability of natural gas and boost broadband capability.

For the partial term:

Ӣ Connolly, 48, is married and pursing a degree in criminal justice. She said taxes are too high and pointed to state cuts in revenue sharing as a reason. She said public input is needed, and that she believes the community needs more vision and more people willing to try different approaches.

She said if marijuana is legalized, there needs to be an educational campaign and a ban on advertising. As to homelessness, Connolly said it is everyone’s responsibility to help their fellow man.

She said Sanford needs to review the pay-as-you-throw trash disposal system, adopted a couple of years ago, and needs to broaden the search for alternatives.

”¢ DiGregorio, 68, is widowed. He has established a couple of businesses, he said, and has worked for the Sanford School Department as a substitute custodian. He said the tax rate is too high, and that Sanford has to focus on the budget “and a little sacrifice.”

He’s against the legalization of marijuana, and believes it can be a catalyst for other issues. He pointed out liquor was legalized, and it “became a problem.” He said the community needs to reach out and make sure the homeless population knows about available resources.

He said he believes the council is doing the best it can but needs a spark. He called the pay-as-you-throw trash policy double taxation. He said more communication, caring and sharing is needed.

Ӣ Lanigan, 35, is married, has four sons and is the co-owner of Event Lighting Concepts and two other entertainment-related businesses.

He said the council has to work to build a strong city, and noted that even a modest tax increase can have a major impact on those with fixed incomes.

Lanigan said he has concerns about marijuana being legalized, and believes there should be restrictions on advertising it and an education campaign aimed at deterring its use. As to the city’s role in dealing with the homeless population, Lanigan said there needs to be a place for homeless youth who are couch-surfing. He said perhaps the police department could help determine the needs of homeless adults and whether they’re addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Lanigan coaches soccer and lacrosse and has been active in leading Junior Achievement and in parent-teacher groups.

Ӣ Trowbridge, 63, is single and has an adult son. She worked in various fields before retiring from her job as a school crossing guard several years ago.

She said taxes are too high, and she hears people talking about that daily.

“No drug is a good drug,” said Trowbridge of marijuana, adding she’s also concerned abut heroin. “I grew up in New York City. I saw what drugs can do to people,” she said.

Trowbridge said she’s seen homeless camps when she goes fishing along the Mousam River.

“We should be helping those people,” she said. “We should focus on our own instead of what’s going on across the world.”

Trowbridge served on the Finance Committee and Charter Commission and the teen curfew committee. She was a Town Meeting member and has volunteered for number of other local endeavors.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.