Former Portland Mayor Kate Snyder is now running for the city council.

Snyder served one term as mayor before deciding not to run for re-election in 2023 and is now running for an at-large seat on the council.

Snyder thinks a major issue for the city is homelessness and dealing with the needs of homeless people along with drug use, violence and sometimes vulgar behavior.

“Those tough things that people see, there are humans who are suffering, and I think that we want to help those people.” said Snyder. “So, I want to acknowledge that within my own philosophy.”

Among other things, Snyder also thinks city government needs to focus on transportation needs, including parking, sidewalk infrastructure, and especially transit.

“And what’s really realistic with regard to transit,” Snyder said. “If you’re on Forest Avenue and you need to get to work in downtown Portland, it shouldn’t take you know a couple bus rides.”

In addition, Snydey is emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement and the challenges of managing city services amidst turnover.

Three other people have also qualified to run for the at-large seat Snyder is seeking, which is currently held by April Fournier.

Fournier is instead running for a seat in the Maine Legislature.

Two other seats on the Portland City Council are also up for grabs, and both races are contested.

In addition to her term as mayor, Snyder served on the Portland School Board for six years between 2007 and 2013.