Windham will vote on candidates for three of the seven seats on its town council in November, with two each running for Windham North and South, and three running for an at-large seat. Lakes Region Now reached out to each of the candidates, and here’s what they had to say:

WINDHAM AT-LARGE

JOSEPH CAMPBELL

What made you decide to run for Town Council?

I am running for Town Council because I believe that the voices of people like myself, navigating issues like the housing market, settling down, and creating a stable household are ones that don’t tend to make themselves heard often in local politics. I am also running because I believe that embracing growth, as long as it is done with forethought, is a good thing, and one which will guarantee Windham remains livable for the next generation.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment, and how would you solve them?

I feel that the biggest issues facing Windham are the growing pains most commonly felt on (Route) 302, and runaway housing prices which lead to a worsened tax-burden. For the former, I believe the connectors and other auxiliary roads are a good step, but also think real thought needs to be given to other locations for development which could serve to ease the pressure in North Windham. For the latter, I think the simplest answer is to encourage housing development in the town. It’s important that that development is a sustainable mix between high-density rentals, and family homes, as they both provide benefits to our town, and by adding to the supply-end, we should be able to make the cost of housing more affordable.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling population and infrastructure growth in Windham?

My plans for growth are mainly to embrace it. If people want to live here, that is a good thing in my mind. We need to make sure we are thoughtful about where we allow developments, but Windham is a wide town, and we have room to accommodate as long as we are planning for the future. We can’t wish away growth, and if we restrict supply demand will skyrocket, and we’ll see more working class Windham residents feel priced out of their homes. Building housing prevents that.

KATIE COOK

What made you decide to run for town council?

I grew up in Windham. I attended our schools, walked our streets, and watched this town grow. I’m running for Town Council because I believe Windham deserves leadership that listens, plans wisely, and protects taxpayers. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to serve. I want to make sure every decision made at town hall reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here. That means clear communication, smart budgeting, and a commitment to keeping Windham a place we’re proud to call home.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment, and how would you solve them?

I believe responsible growth is the most pressing issue facing Windham today. As our town continues to expand, we must ensure that development is thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of our residents. That means investing in infrastructure, protecting our natural resources, and maintaining the character of our community — without overburdening taxpayers. Growth should benefit everyone, not just a few, and I’m committed to making sure Windham’s future is built on smart planning and shared prosperity.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling population and infrastructure growth in Windham?

Windham is growing fast, and we need smart, forward-thinking leadership to keep pace. I’ll advocate for responsible development that protects our town’s character, invests in scalable infrastructure, and ensures new projects benefit the whole community. By using data-driven planning and engaging residents in every step, we can manage growth in a way that strengthens Windham — without sacrificing what makes it special.

CLAYTON HASKELL

What made you decide to run for Town Council?

Spending needs to be cut, focusing on needs — not wants, to keep taxes under control. Windham citizens need to be able to have a voice so I can work toward their needs.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment,
and how would you solve them?

There are several pressing issues — high taxes and rapid growth. We need to cut wasteful spending and put the major projects out to bid. The council needs to look closely at Planning Board approvals with the possibility of revisions to curb rapid growth.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling the population and
infrastructure growth in Windham?

There is no way to control the population of people in Windham. If the infrastructure of Windham, i.e. police, fire, public works, etc., is limited we will be in worse condition than we are now as the infrastructure at this time is not keeping up with the current rate of growth.

WINDHAM NORTH

DEBORAH DEVOU

Deborah Devou did not respond to Lakes Region Now’s request for comment. According to the website of the Windham Republican Town Committee, Devou “is committed to thoughtful growth, maintaining public safety, and ensuring town government is transparent and responsive to residents.”

MARGARET TERRY

What made you decide to run for Town Council?

I made the decision to run for Town Council after receiving my property tax bill, and realizing that the rising cost could jeopardize my ability to retire and remain in my home. That moment was a wake up call not just for me, but many in our community who are feeling the same pressure. I believe it’s time for Windham to think outside the box. We need to explore alternative sources of revenue beyond property taxes, and we need leadership that’s willing to bring fresh ideas to the table. I’m running because I want to help guide Windham to a more balanced sustainable future, one that protects our residence and preserves the character of our town.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment, and how would you solve them?

Windham‘s biggest challenge is managing growth and rising property taxes. Thoughtful development, like cluster housing, [accessory dwelling units] and condos not only help meet housing needs and expand our tax base, but is now required under Maine‘s new law LD 1829. Growth, however, must be carefully planned to preserve our towns, character, farmland, and open spaces. I believe Windham‘s greatest untapped asset is its recreation opportunities. By creating, investing in, and promoting these spaces, we can attract visitors, support local businesses, and generate additional revenue for the town helping to ease the tax burden on residents. It’s time to think outside the box and use what makes Windham special to build a more sustainable future.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling population and infrastructure growth in Windham?

Windham is growing, and that growth needs to be guided with intention. My plan focuses on smart development, strategic infrastructure, investment, and community driven planning to ensure we grow in a way that strengthens the town while preserving its identity. I support law compliant thoughtful development. Under Maine news housing law, LD 1829, towns must allow more flexible housing options. I support meeting these requirements through well-planned developments like cluster housing, condos and ADUs that fit Windham‘s character and expand our tax base, without overwhelming our resources. Growth decisions should reflect the value of Windham‘s people. I will advocate for a transparent planning process and active community involvement, so residents have a meaningful voice in how and where the town grows.

WINDHAM SOUTH

DOUGLAS FORTIER

What made you decide to run for town council?

I have been a resident of Windham since 1970 and graduated from WHS. I worked for the town for 30 years, the last 20 as public works director before retiring. I feel this gives me a good insight to the workings of the town and what its needs are to help move it forward.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment, and how would you solve them?

I feel taxes and growth are two pressing issues the town is facing the town. I would talk with residents to get their input on what level of service they want with each department and what they are willing to pay for. As for growth we can’t stop it, but we can manage it and direct it to the areas that are designated growth areas to help stop sprawl.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling population and infrastructure growth in Windham?

As I said above about growth we can’t stop it, but we need to manage it and see that it is where the town has designated as growth districts and the infrastructure can handle it. Windham has a good road system that has been funded well by previous councils and I would continue with that. A new sewer system is being built in North Windham, and the $30 million rear access roads project in North Windham that the town has partnered with the state DOT to build.

MICHAEL RUSSIN

What made you decide to run for Town Council?

I decided to run for town council because I believe deeply in Windham’s potential — and in our responsibility to steward it wisely. I’m a husband, a father of three little girls under 3, and a small business owner who employs local people. Like many young families, my wife and I have built our lives here, and I want to ensure Windham remains a place where people can afford to live, work, and raise their children. Running for council is about protecting the fabric of our community — the people who came before us and those still finding their footing — and making sure our growth doesn’t outpace our values.

What do you feel are some of the biggest issues facing Windham at the moment,
and how would you solve them?

Windham’s biggest challenge right now is managing rapid growth while maintaining affordability, infrastructure quality, and a sense of local identity. We’ve seen major residential and commercial expansion, but infrastructure — roads, schools, water, and traffic systems — hasn’t caught up. My approach centers on responsible growth: partnering with developers to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with construction, prioritizing long-term planning over short-term approvals, and protecting existing residents from rising property taxes through smarter budgeting and development impact fees.

We can encourage growth that strengthens Windham, not strains it — growth that supports local jobs, supports small businesses, and preserves the character of our town. I’m going to be digging heavily into spending. An independent audit is No. 1 on my list. We need to identify where money is being wasted or spent carelessly and re allocate those dollars.

What are your plans for accommodating and controlling the population and
infrastructure growth in Windham?

Growth is inevitable — but chaos isn’t. We need to bring structure and foresight to how Windham expands. I want to see the town adopt a clear growth management plan that ties new development approvals directly to infrastructure benchmarks: roads, traffic flow, water capacity, and school readiness. At the same time, I’d like to create stronger incentives for developers to invest in mixed-use projects that reduce congestion and bring walkable, village-style commerce back into our neighborhoods. Thoughtful growth can make Windham stronger — not just bigger.