Voters in Bath will fill three City Council seats, including one contested race in the upcoming November election.

The council’s current vice chairperson, Julie Ambrosino, is running against challenger Brian Bennett. The winner will serve a three-year term in the council’s at-large seat. City Councilor Jennifer DeChant of Ward 5 is running unopposed, while Leiha Lynn is running unopposed to take over council Chairperson Miriam Johnson’s Ward 7 seat. Johnson is not running for reelection.

In addition, there are three candidates running for uncontested seats on the Regional School Unit 1 board, each serving three-year terms.

Voting on Election Day is at Bath Middle School, located at 6 Old Brunswick Road, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Julie Ambrosino

Tell us about yourself.

Although I’m “from away,” my roots are also by the water, as I grew up alongside the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore, where I developed an early love for nature in all its forms. Choosing Bath was intentional, and over the past decade, I’ve proudly made it my home while living and working alongside some of the friendliest people I’ve ever known.

Living in Maine has deepened my awareness of how closely our lives are tied to the land, the water, the seasons and each other. What drew me in — and keeps me here — is Bath’s unique blend of hardworking neighbors, a strong sense of community, and a shared respect for both our history and the progress of our working waterfront.

For recreation, I like to run, hike, travel and explore Bath’s network of trail systems. For more stationary relaxation, I enjoy a blend of reading, film, learning languages and music.

Why are you running for Bath City Council?

I’m running for reelection because I truly love serving the people of Bath. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much this community cares for one another, and that inspires me to keep giving back. I am committed to finding practical solutions that help Bath remain sustainable, financially strong and a welcoming place for everyone.

What are the most pressing concerns facing the city?

My priorities looking ahead are investing in modernizing our infrastructure to protect Bath from future flooding and severe weather, expanding housing options for all income levels to keep our community livable, and fostering long-term economic growth opportunities.

At the same time, I believe it’s critical to manage these priorities in a fiscally responsible way — minimizing the impact on taxpayers while still making the investments our community needs.

If elected, how would you address those challenges?

To achieve these priorities, we need to be strategic in how we fund and deliver them. This means actively pursuing federal and state grants and subsidies to offset local costs, exploring the use of TIF districts when possible, and collaborating with our regional partners to share expenses and maximize impact.

By combining outside funding opportunities with prudent local budgeting, we can continue making the critical investments Bath needs — without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.

What experience would you bring to this position?

I bring a multidisciplinary background that strengthens how I serve Bath. My technical training in natural sciences helps me understand environmental and infrastructure challenges and provides a systems-based lens for approaching solutions, while my experience in financial services gives me the tools to analyze budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.

With nearly a decade of municipal governing, public planning efforts and project support. I know how to navigate policy, collaborate with stakeholders and keep long-term community goals in focus.

How can residents learn more about your candidacy?

Residents can follow my candidacy by connecting with me on social media, and I also encourage them to tune into City Council meetings or attend a committee I serve on to see my work and approach in real time.

Brian Bennett

Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud Bath native born at Bath Memorial Hospital in 1983 and graduated from Morse High School in 2001. I have been a fabrication planner, production planner, and senior change process planner for 20 years. I’m married to an amazing wife, Jamie, for 12 years and have two beautiful children, Katelyn, 10, and Colin, 4.

Why are you running for Bath City Council?

I love this city with all my heart and want nothing but the best for her. That is why I am running for an at-large seat on the City Council this November.

What are the most pressing concerns facing the city?

Bath was always widely regarded as one of the best little cities in the United States. As a native and lifelong resident, it doesn’t really feel that way anymore. Modernization is always welcome, but when you do that over and over again, you lose the appeal of what once was. Far too many people are saying they don’t recognize Bath anymore.

I’m a huge proponent of home rule as opposed to government mandates, where we govern ourselves without explicit permission from the state government. Lower taxes are essential to keeping young families in our city.

If elected, how would you address those challenges?

I will meet with every committee and every business owner, and the police and fire departments. From there, we will inform, govern and establish community dialogue and trust.

What experience would you bring to this position?

My experience as a planner and as a lifelong resident will allow for greater communication and a framework for our residents.

How can residents learn more about your candidacy?

People can like and follow on Facebook, and search online for “Brian Bennet for City Council-Bath, ME” to stay informed and to ask any questions.