Greg Altznauer

    General statement about candidacy: I have skills,
experience, and qualities I can offer to the townspeople of Cape
Elizabeth if elected. I have over 20 years of business experience. I
started and ran a successful printing business in New York City. From
that experience, I have honed my ability to listen and more
importantly, depend on my use of common sense. I admit I’m a “come
here”, a “wash ashore,” and maybe a “flatlander,” but that is what
makes me different. I can bring to the table a fresh way of looking at
the issues. I am a person who has grown to appreciate and love this
town. I have personally seen what happens to a town that did not
manufacture a plan for responsible development until it was already too
late. I am the person who can help guide this process and hopefully
meet the objective of getting the best of both worlds: maintaining open
space while creating a reason people would like to bring their business
into this town.



Jim Rowe

    General statement about candidacy: My only agenda is
to have no agenda. Voters willing, I look forward to serving with my
ears, eyes, and mind open. I am very much a team player, but would also
not be afraid to stand alone, if my heart tells me that is where I need
to be. I welcome the challenge of bringing people with diverse opinions
to a point where constructive solutions can be found. I thank the
voters of Cape Elizabeth for their consideration and for their votes on
Nov. 7.



David J. Backer

    General statement about candidacy: I pledge to
continue devoting my energy, judgment and experience, and to continue
working hard to understand all sides of an issue, to ensure that the
Council makes the best decisions possible for the Town. I look forward
to the opportunity to continue the long-standing tradition of the many
Cape residents who have contributed in countless ways throughout the
Town’s history to making this an outstanding place to live and raise a
family.



Sara Lennon

    General statement about candidacy: Cape citizens are
looking for outstanding schools, reliable municipal services, and
protection of our open spaces. They do not want to pay any more
property tax, so the skills of collaboration and compromise are
essential. I can listen and incorporate divergent points of view. I can
compromise yet am decisive. I enjoy innovative problem-solving to find
workable solutions. I am straight-forward and practical. I believe my
experiences and demeanor will be helpful in resolving the many issues
facing Cape Elizabeth now and in the coming years.



TABOR and tax-reform:

    Altznauer: Maine has the highest state, local taxes
and property taxes in the country. There are only two states in the
country that had economic decline in 2005, Maine and Louisiana.
Louisiana had a small hurricane called Katrina. We need to find a way
to control spending. The system in its current state is not working.
The state from 2002-2004 had spending increases of 136 percent in
social services, 105 percent increases in administration, an 81 percent
increase in transportation, and a 78 percent increase in public safety,
just to name a few. We need to control spending and TABOR will finally
send a message to our legislators that enough is enough. I fully
support TABOR.

    Backer: When elected representatives encourage
voters to defeat TABOR, in essence, they are saying, “Trust us. Defeat
TABOR and we’ll voluntarily restrain spending.” Unfortunately, many
elected representatives have lost the voters’ trust. When voting on the
municipal and school budgets in each of the past two years, I kept the
promise I made in September 2004 - that for three years I would limit
spending increases to a level not more than the rate of the Consumer
Price Index, with an exception for voter approved debt and allowances
for additional school enrollment and population growth. If I had broken
my promise I would have had no credibility to encourage voters to vote
against TABOR, and no credibility to tell voters that the Cape
Elizabeth Town Council is able to control spending on its own, without
an externally imposed TABOR-like mechanism. Rather than approving
TABOR, voters should commit themselves to electing representatives who
have the fortitude to control spending. I have proven myself willing to
make restrained spending decisions without the constraint of TABOR,
which fails to effectively control the spending that most needs
restraint – Augusta’s spending.

    Major tax reform can only come from Augusta. Our
state elected representatives need to institute reform that will permit
us to reduce our heavy reliance on property taxes for education funding.

    Lennon: While I favor property-tax relief for
Mainers, and support fiscal discipline in both local and state
governments, I believe TABOR is not the means to achieve these goals.
TABOR would dramatically reduce local control and impose deep cuts in
Maine’s schools, municipal, and social services. It is poorly
conceived, hastily written, and has been destructive to the state of
Colorado.

    Rowe: While I appreciate the intent of TABOR, I am
opposed to its enactment because it undermines one of the most
fundamental elements of our republic- that it is a representative
democracy. TABOR impairs local departmental and representative
decision-making. I have been contacting elected local officials in
Colorado (which has had TABOR in place for several years) and am
getting a very clear message that TABOR is not the way to go. The best
way to effect meaningful tax reform remains to elect public officials
at all levels who will, through their own actions, limit spending, and
rein in unfunded mandates and entitlement programs. I am such a
candidate at the local level.



Municipal debt:

    Altznauer: If we control spending we should be able to take care of any municipal debt.

    Backer: Our municipal debt has increased by $10
million in the last two years as a result of the recent Pond Cove
addition, High School renovation, and sewer reconstruction projects –
all of which were approved by the voters. Even with the recent
increases in municipal debt, our debt remains at a reasonable level and
the town’s bond rating remains one of the very highest in the state.

    Lennon: Debt should be incurred only for funding
large and necessary projects, such as school and municipal building or
renovations. Most of Cape’s current building needs have been met, so
the town can now focus on paying down its debt.

    Rowe: Due to recent, significant, and expensive
improvements to infrastructure, Cape Elizabeth should be focusing on
paying down existing debt and (barring emergency) should assume no new
debt at this time. (See infrastructure priorities below)



Education funding:

    Altznauer: We need to do whatever it takes to have
enough money for our kid’s education. I would like to have our teachers
the highest paid teachers in the state, which would attract the best
and brightest candidates to teach our kids.

    Backer: Eight-three percent of Cape Elizabeth’s
total school funding comes from local property taxes. The rest comes
from state and federal funds. Our heavy reliance on property taxes to
pay for education will only change by restructuring the school funding
formula used in Augusta. Although the state will pay increasingly
larger portions of the total cost of statewide K - 12 education over
the next two years, Cape will receive a far lower percentage of its
total education cost than other, less “land rich”, communities will
receive.

    Lennon: I am in favor of education funding and
competitive teacher compensation. I am also in favor of innovation and
creativity, which can produce exciting reforms in the curriculum
without spending more money. I’d like to enable the school board and
school administration to offer an education that is both outstanding
and cost-effective.

    Rowe: State budgets that penalize our school system
through an inequitable school funding formula should not be supported
by our legislative representatives in Augusta. At the local level,
there needs to be a higher level of trust between the School
Department/School Board and the Town Council. My experience on the
School Board would be valuable in building bridges of understanding and
cooperation between these entities. This would foster a spirit of
teamwork and would in turn bring budget efficiency.



Economic development:

    Altznauer: I support developing our Town Center.
Commercial taxes raised from these new businesses would help to reduce
our local taxes.

    Backer: Residents of Cape Elizabeth have
consistently supported the preservation of open space and the town’s
rural character over the development of commercial enterprises. With
the right architectural sensitivity and the right business occupants,
limited economic development in the Town Center would be welcomed and
consistent with the Town Center Plan. The lot adjacent to Town Hall,
where construction is scheduled to commence soon for a mixed use,
retail, office and residential building, has the potential to be a good
example of positive economic development.

    Lennon: Cape Elizabeth is unusual in that its
economic strength comes not from commercial and residential growth, but
rather from preservation and conservation. What we learned from the
comprehensive plan survey is that our economic well being lies in our
ability to contain growth and thereby offer a small town with many
natural resources, a strong sense of community spirit, and excellent
schools.

    Rowe: I am supportive of the nurturing and growth of
a modest commercial presence in Cape Elizabeth; so long as it does not
negatively impact our community’s “small town” feel. Draft reports from
the new Comprehensive Plan delineate several parameters under which
this can occur. Among them- adherence to the Town Center Plan,
developing multi-use buildings, encouraging home businesses that easily
co-exist with other neighborhood needs, etc. I agree with these
findings and recommendations. A benefit is that development of a modest
commercial tax base would redistribute some of the town’s total
property tax burden away from homeowners.



Infrastructure priorities:

    Altznauer: Fort Williams is in a state of disrepair:
broken glass, litter, and graffiti are everywhere. Goddard Mansion
needs to be stabilized and repaired. Our current budgeted dollars fall
short when it comes to the overall maintenance of the Fort. This is
where the entrance fee dollars could have a significant impact on
providing funding necessary to preserve one of this states most
valuable resources.

    Backer: Municipal buildings and facilities,
roadways, sidewalks, sewer lines, 50-plus pieces of “rolling stock”
used by various municipal departments, computer equipment,
communications equipment – all of which require constant maintenance or
replacement and all of which are important to residents of Cape
Elizabeth.

    Lennon: In the last ten years, Cape Elizabeth has
invested generously in its infrastructure, including municipal
buildings, school improvements, sewers, and roads. Most of the town’s
current infrastructure needs have been met. Remaining projects to be
considered include renovations and repairs at Fort Williams, some kind
of pedestrian-bicycle path along Shore Road, athletic fields, and an
expansion of the Thomas Memorial Library. Much discussion and voter
input should precede any decision to use municipal funds for these
remaining needs.

    Rowe: Infrastructure should be in full maintenance
mode. CIPs, sewer and road projects, as well as vehicle/equipment
retirement and replacement should remain as scheduled. Existing
buildings need to be carefully maintained. But barring emergency, we
should not be raising taxes, nor should we be borrowing money to
finance new infrastructure initiatives at this time. This is not to say
that we are without needs. Thomas Memorial Library needs more space and
the Shore Rd. fire station is now inadequate. But we need to be paying
down our debt service at this time.



Spending priorities:

    Altznauer: Spending should be reduced so we have the
ability to lower our property taxes. Education should always be a
priority. Acquiring and preserving some of the towns available open
space, and then we need to look at installing sidewalks along some of
our busiest roads to further ensure safe pedestrian passage.

    Backer: Priorities are reflected by the way the town
spends its money.  Based on dollars spent, the town’s highest
spending priorities are: Education, $18.2 million; Public Works
(including refuse disposal), $1.7 million; Public Safety, $1.65 million.

    Lennon: Schools, salaries, tax relief for senior citizens

    Rowe: Schools, Public Works, and Public Safety.



Spending cuts:

    Altznauer: There is an expense involved when the
Police Dept. has to deliver the weekly/monthly agendas to each town
councilor. If elected, I would rally the council to pick up these
packages ourselves and save that resource for something more critical.
I would also like to explore ways to regionalize costs by sharing
non-essential services with other towns.

    Backer: The Town is always looking for ways to
provide services more efficiently and for less cost. Since March of
this year, Cape Elizabeth has participated with Portland, South
Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth and Scarborough in the Metro Regional
Coalition, which was formed for the purpose of expanding opportunities
for the participating communities to collaborate, identify areas of
common interest and evaluate new collaborative initiatives.
Participation in the Coalition should lead to long-term spending
reductions and efficiencies for the participating communities.

    Lennon: 1. Regionalize services that overlap with
neighboring towns. 2. Conserve on fuel and energy costs by eliminating
unnecessary consumption. 3. Reduce the rate of road paving. 4. Explore
the possibility of charging a small fee for garbage to raise revenue
and encourage recycling.

    Rowe: As a Town Councilor who demands budget
restraint, I would be content to provide an overall spending limit and
would leave specific cuts and program elimination to our very capable
Town Manager and department administrators.



Goals to accomplish in the next term:

Altznauer: If elected, I will propose stronger historical landmark
status for older houses. Make Cape one of the communities in Cumberland
County with some type of responsible development restrictions. Propose
limits on the size of large developments. Increase funding to buy open
space. Enact more strict regulations to protect our wetlands/vernal
ponds/waterways.

Backer: The “wish list” includes finding ways to: 1.) Preserve many of
the remaining large tracts of open space that exist in Cape Elizabeth,
whether in a manner similar to what was done in the creative
partnership between the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and the William
Jordan farm, or through other means; 2.) Enable people (particularly
children) to safely ride their bikes between the Town Center and Fort
Williams; 3.) Meet the short and long-term goals of maintaining Fort
Williams without having to charge a parking fee to our neighbors from
surrounding communities.

    Lennon: 1. Create a comprehensive plan that fully
incorporates the wishes of Cape residents and serves as a blue print
for planning, zoning, and spending in the coming years. 2. Improve
communication between the elected officials and town residents. 3. Help
to make the town affordable for our senior citizens.

    Rowe: My personal goals are: to be responsive to the
needs of Cape Elizabeth’s citizens; to serve with honor and integrity,
compromising neither my principles nor the welfare of my town; and that
Cape Elizabeth will be a better place as a result of my service.



As you campaign, what are the issues voters bring up most often?

    Altznauer: Fees at Ft. Williams. I personally feel
there should be some type of fee to assist in defraying
operating/maintenance/rehabilitation and security costs. I feel the
current tabled idea of installing parking kiosks is not the answer. Not
only are they expensive to purchase, but upkeep could be prohibitive.
In towns and cities throughout the country, if people want to visit a
park or a beach, a museum, or an historical place, in most cases, they
need to pay a fee. As currently proposed, the fee seems quite modest
and certainly fair and reasonable for non-residents and would be free
to CE citizens. It also states that anybody can bike, skate, walk, or
run into the park for free. Just now, Fort Williams is filled with
graffiti, broken glass, and holds a general run-down appearance. In
addition, the town spends $19,000 a year for the portable toilets.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have real bathrooms? I propose having a manned
gate from 7 a.m. to sunset beginning April 1st though Oct. 15. Monies
would get collected by a town employee. I also propose setting an
attainable dollar goal where the monies collected in this case will
only go into a Fort Williams upkeep and capital improvement fund. If we
reach the agreed upon sustainable amount, interest could pay for the
yearly upkeep. Then and only then we can decide to either end charging
fees or use the monies to revert into a general tax fund to help
decrease the property taxes.

    Backer: What I hear most frequently are questions
about the mechanics of how the Taxpayer Bill of Rights will operate if
approved by the voters.  People are perplexed as to whether TABOR
is more problematic than beneficial. In spite of their uncertainty,
many people have said that they will vote for TABOR, not because of its
merits, but rather, out of frustration, in spite of TABOR’s perceived
flaws, to “send a message” to Augusta that the status quo is
unacceptable.  See answer to TABOR question above.

    Lennon: 1. Providing adequate school funding, which
I favor. 2. Requiring fees at Fort Williams, which I would like to
delay and give the town a chance to raise private funds to cover the
cost of the park’s renovations. 3. Allowing new housing developments,
which I would like to keep to a minimum.

    Rowe: 1) TABOR (see above). 2) Fort Williams
Park/fees: If we agree that the historic preservation of a significant
piece of town heritage (the remaining structures of Fort Williams) is
important (as I do), and if we assume that doing nothing is
unacceptable, that raising taxes and/or increasing debt (which also
raises taxes) are unadvisable; and that cutting staff and services at
the park would be counter-productive, then we need help. My preferred
option would be to partner with a charitable entity that can
successfully conduct an ambitious capital campaign. Absent that (and
there is currently no activity in that area), I will be voting for
fees. I do not believe that it is unreasonable to ask the users of Fort
Williams to help support- not routine maintenance- but very expensive
historic preservation by paying modest fees. I truly appreciate the
passion and spirit of altruism of those who would keep the park free
for all, but at the recent forum and in letters to editors, I have
heard no viable alternative proposal that would reverse a rapidly
deteriorating and, in a few cases, increasingly dangerous situation. I
look forward to November 7’s referendum results and as a Town Councilor
would abide by the wishes of the voters. 3) School Funding (see
above) 



Ways voters can differentiate you from your opponents:

    Altznauer: I am neither a career politician nor a
lawyer. I am in favor of the passing of TABOR, and most importantly, I
want to protect our open space.

    Backer: 1.) I have proven that I possess the
fortitude to make restrained spending decisions without the oversight
of an externally imposed statewide spending cap; 2.) I have proven
myself willing to keep my promises as an elected official; 3.) My
experience on the Zoning Board of Appeals (three years as chairman) and
three years on the Town Council (currently as chairman) have given me
experience working collaboratively to reach decisions in the town’s
long-term best interests.

    Lennon: 1. I hope to improve the relationship
between the town council, school board, and citizenry by nurturing
cooperative, mutually respectful relationships. 2. I strongly favor the
preservation of Cape’s rural character and open spaces for people to
enjoy. I hope to weigh aesthetic and environmental considerations, as
well as economic impact, when shaping the town center and approving
future housing developments. 3. I believe flourishing schools directly
benefit all Cape residents by bolstering our community’s property
values, which is a significant investment for many people looking
toward retirement.

    Rowe: 1) I am the only candidate who is a lifelong
resident of Cape Elizabeth and, if elected, would be the only lifelong
resident on the sitting Town Council.  2) I am the only candidate
who has served a term on the Cape Elizabeth School Board and, if
elected, would be the only sitting member of the Town Council with that
experience.  3) I represent the fourth generation of my family to
own and operate a successful 164-year-old business. I am directly
responsible for all executive, operational, and financial decisions. I
deal with the public daily and am familiar with taxation, insurance,
and government regulation issues. This experience has prepared me well
for the work of the Town Council.