ABOUT TERRY
A Life of Service in the Bangor Area
For decades, Terry Dinkins has called the Bangor area home. His story is rooted not in politics, but in business, ministry, community service, and years of working directly with people facing some of life's hardest circumstances.
at a glance
Longtime Bangor-area Resident
Began Working at Age 15
Pastor and Jail Chaplain
Father and Grandfather of Four
From Service to Community Leadership
Terry is the founder and pastor of The Mansion Church in Bangor. The ministry grew from work with incarcerated men and has served people affected by homelessness, addiction, and the difficult transition back into the community after incarceration.
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Over the years, Terry's work has taken him from the Penobscot County Jail to Bangor's streets, homeless encampments, warming centers, and conversations with people struggling to find a way forward.
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That experience has given him a close view of challenges that are often discussed from a distance.
A RECORD OF SERVICE
Service Before Politics
Terry’s commitment to the Bangor area did not begin with a campaign. For years, he has worked alongside local churches and volunteers to meet practical needs, support people in difficult circumstances, and serve wherever help is needed.
REACHING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
Terry has delivered food and essential supplies while regularly checking on people living outdoors and in local encampments. His approach begins with listening, treating people with dignity, and responding to immediate needs.
MINISTRY AND SECOND CHANCES
Terry’s ministry began through his work at the Penobscot County Jail and grew into Mansion Church—a place committed to serving people after incarceration and helping those often overlooked by society.
WARMTH DURING MAINE’S COLDEST MONTHS
Through the Mansion Church warming center, Terry has helped provide people with a warm place to stay, meals, clothing, showers, and other practical assistance during the winter.
RELIEF BEYOND THE BANGOR AREA
Following Hurricane Helene, Terry and local volunteers collected and transported essential supplies to affected communities, extending the generosity of the Bangor area far beyond Maine.
Why Terry Is Running
He's Seen the Problems Up Close.
Terry didn't decide to run because he wanted a political career.
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He decided to run after years of watching some of Bangor's problems grow harder to ignore.
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He has seen the effects of addiction and drug activity. He has encountered discarded needles through his outreach work. He has worked with people living on the street and people struggling with serious mental illness. He has watched individuals move repeatedly between homelessness, addiction, and incarceration.
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He has also heard from residents concerned about safety, rising property taxes, housing costs, and Bangor's ability to attract new businesses and investment.
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Terry believes Bangor can do better.
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His goal is straightforward: safer streets, fewer drugs and discarded needles, less homelessness, lower taxes, more housing, more business opportunity, and a city government focused on results.