Belfast City Council Ward 2 · Nov 3, 2026
Zachary
Schmesser
Zachary Schmesser is running for Belfast City Council Ward 2 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Neal Harkness.
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The race · City Council Ward 2
- 01Neal HarknessIncumbent
- 02Zachary SchmesserYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Zachary Schmesser is a deputy district director for U.S. Rep. Jared Golden. He spent more than four years as executive director of Our Town Belfast and served on the city's Pedestrian, Biking & Hiking Committee.
- Campaign website
- www.zachschmesser.com
On the record: Zachary Schmesser
7 sourced01Public engagement2 sourced positions
as reported by the Midcoast Villager; not a direct quote
Favors community forums on major issues where residents can ask questions and offer ideas before final decisions are made.
Own statementMidcoast Villager · Oct 5, 2026Link
Wants City Council agenda materials released earlier than about a week before meetings.
I don’t think folks can come adequately prepared in that short a time frame”
Own statementMidcoast Villager · Oct 5, 2026Link
02Housing and development1 sourced position
Supports "smart growth" that protects Belfast's character rather than unchecked growth.
Smart growth means thoughtful, measured development, not unchecked growth.”
Own statementMaine Voter Guide 2026 (Maine Trust for Local News): Zachary Charles SchmesserLink
03School budget coordination1 sourced position
Wants the council to prioritize collaboration with RSU 71 and county staff during their budget processes.
The Council sets priorities for the City and its staff, and I would like to see it prioritize collaboration with RSU 71 and County staff during the respective budget processes.”
Own statementZach for BelfastLink
04Taxes1 sourced position
Says discussion of controlling costs should extend beyond the annual budget process.
Outside of the budget process, I don’t see a whole lot of discussion about how we get that under control”
Own statementMidcoast Villager · Oct 5, 2026Link
05Infrastructure1 sourced position
Would prioritize preventive maintenance of roads, sidewalks and city facilities.
“Fix it first.” I’ll prioritize preventive maintenance for roads, sidewalks, and city facilities”
Own statementZach for BelfastLink
06Waterfront1 sourced position
Says the city first needs a hazard mitigation plan to pursue federal resiliency funds, and that keeping the working waterfront is critical.
I think that is step one.”
Own statementMidcoast Villager · Oct 5, 2026Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
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