Editor:

   When I moved to South Portland in August 2007, I felt an instant connection to community in a wonderful city by the sea where we are all blessed to live. I made a commitment to volunteerism and community activism because I found this vibrant place such a wonderful place to call home.

   In the course of observing South Portland’s governance carefully over the past several months, however, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the future of our city. The city council in particular is in dire need of fresh perspectives and leaders who will bring a long-term strategic vision to South Portland. We need leaders who won’t become bogged down in petty bickering and entrenched public feuding about dogs, chickens, bees, tattoos, and yellow ribbons – peripheral issues that have seemed to dominate city council deliberations all too much over the past 12 months.  We need leaders who will instead step back, look at the bigger picture, cut through the political bluster, abandon narrow special interests and hardened points of view, and help shape a better future for everyone in South Portland.

   Patti Smith, a candidate for the South Portland City Council this November, is just such a leader.

   Long-term strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, prudent taxation, enhanced public transportation, protection of the environment and open spaces, safe neighborhoods, quality education, and fostering a progressive, sustainable local business environment are all key elements of Patti’s vision for our community. As human resources director and domestic sales manager for a Portland-based premium pet product company, Patti will bring 20-plus years of keen business and management acumen to her efforts on behalf of all South Portlanders. With a degree in sports management and 10 years of head coaching experience at the Division I college level, Patti also possesses the team-building and leadership skills to forge consensus from differing points of view and keep our great city moving forward.

   I urge my friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens to cast a vote for integrity, community, and progress this November by electing Patti Smith to the South Portland City Council.

Tom Ayres

South Portland