BANGOR — Bangor’s city council will choose a new leader next week.

The city's newly elected councilors will be sworn in on Monday morning, with a vote on a new council chair to follow, according to City Councilor Michael Beck.

Former Chair Cara Pelletier resigned in September, with interim Chair Rick Fournier holding the role until the end of his term earlier this week.

Following the Tuesday election, Daniel Carson, Angela Walker and Susan Faloon are joining the council's ranks.  

Faloon said the newly formed council will have a number of issues to tackle.

“Homelessness in general, and housing are of course big issues, and then we’ve got the related issues of substance use disorder and mental illness,” said Faloon. “So, those are all big issues, as well, and of course we have to be cognizant of the city budget and how things are going there and to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”

But in the short-term, Faloon said she believes the tone of the council meetings needs to be addressed, referring to a recent meeting where a meeting participant made racist remarks over Zoom.

Councilor Leonard appeared to respond to those remarks by throwing a pen and using an obscene gesture. He has since been censured for those actions. 

City councilors also passed a resolve condemning hate speech on Monday.

“First and foremost, I think we need to sort of calm things down during the council meetings,” said Faloon. “Anyone who’s attended one or participated online has seen how divided it has been, how contentious those meetings have been.”

Beck said the council will have a discussion on whether to continue using Zoom or how to regulate its use considering recent interruptions.

“It’s a new council, and it’s a new council year,” said Beck. “So, that’s one of the conversations we’re going to have to have. Number one, Zoom comments.” 

Beck also said that the council will hold an official meeting next month to decide which issues need attention in the coming council year.

“December though, that’s the big meeting where we decide what’s our push for this coming council year,” said Beck.

Beck added that he believes the new crew is ready to get to work.

“I’m really happy for the three people who got elected,” said Beck. “They worked hard to get elected, and they all seem like they want to hit the ground running on day one, and I’m really excited for this new council year.”