This is why I am right fit to be on school board

Editor:

   My name is Jay Allen and I am a candidate for school board. I live at 14 Higgins Lane with my wife and our two young children. Both are currently attending Brown School.

   The decision to run for school board was not an easy one. The time commitment is enormous, the rewards are few, and at the end of the day rarely is anyone happy. Despite this seemingly grim outlook I felt compelled to run because South Portland’s school system train is off the tracks. I refer specifically to the following:

   Redistricting – This process was a mess. Walking the neighborhoods here in town it was the number one issue for the many parents I spoke with. To a person they thought they were not included in the process…and I agree. To be more to the point it was a travesty. If you read the school board “Roles, Functions and Duties of School Boards and School Board Members” it says: The board is responsible for conducting its business “in the sunshine.” Meaning no backroom deals, no winks and a nod to better connected voters, and certainly not giving access to a select group of people to the exclusion of others.  

   Unfortunately this is exactly what happened during the redistricting process. At the very end of the process there was supposed to be a workshop where new ideas and options would be explored. What actually happened was a few parents in the Dyer district privately presented a plan that excluded their children from being redistricted. By privately I mean not at the workshop…not in front of the public. At this supposed “workshop” this plan was presented by one of the parents and immediately accepted by the school board. There was no workshop…there was no discussion. It was apparent to all in attendance that this had all been worked out in advance of the “workshop.”

   Do I blame the parents involved…not at all? They used all methods at their command to get what they wanted. The school board members were in a bind. The budget vote was coming up in a few days, and because Mrs. Godin had decided to tie redistricting to the budget, they were out of options. If these parents did seek injunctive relief the whole budgeting process would fall into chaos. Do I understand the board’s problem…yes? Would I have handled it the same way….no?  Redistricting should never have been tied to the budget in the first place. I believe the board, and Mrs. Godin, were well aware of the backlash that would come from redistricting. By tying it to the budget vote they could create an artificial time line and limit the discussion,which they knew would be overwhelmingly negative.

   High school renovation – I recently had the pleasure of spending 90 minutes with Jeanne Crocker, the principal of South Portland High School. I was able to get a tour and talk with her in depth about the issues facing SPHS. I left that meeting with a great deal of respect for Jeanne and a better understanding of the issues. It is clear to me that the high school is a mess. The more I walked with Jeanne the more it felt like I was in Whoville. To say it has been cobbled together over the years would be an understatement. If you get a chance I would encourage you to tour the school so that you have some understanding of the issues. Here are a couple of my thoughts:

   There is no chance that the voters will approve a $40 to $50 million renovation.  As a school board member I would not support putting a plan like that up for vote. I do believe that the school needs renovation, especially to its mechanical systems, for it to be safe and effective in the coming years. I’m not talking about the bandaid approach; I mean significant structural renovations, system upgrades, etc. This isn’t the place to detail all that is needed but I am comfortable in saying that as a school board member I would support a thoughtful process that laid out a multi phase plan to address these issues. The high school got into this condition because those in charge were always reacting. We need to ask the question, where do we want to be five, 10, 25 years down the road and act accordingly. By accordingly I mean doing what we can afford after careful analysis of the most pressing issues. I’m a big fan of the “measure twice, cut once” philosophy. 

   I attended the facilities planning committee meeting at Brown School last week and left shaking my head. It was clear that although this committee is asking for public input…it really doesn’t want it. In a repeat of the redistricting process their minds are made up and no amount of public opposition is going to sway them. The difference is that this renovation project has to be approved by the voters and can’t be tied to a larger issue. In the face of absolutely certain defeat this committee continues to work on a $50 million renovation plan! It would be bad enough if they were only wasting their own time. Unfortunately we have paid the architect (Harriman Associates) something like $700,000 to continue to work on this ill conceived plan, and it is no where near done. I would not be surprised if the final bill exceeds $1,000,000. Have none of the 18 members of this committee noticed the instability of our financial markets, both here and around the world? How many of us are planning on taking on more personal debt in the near future? I know my family isn’t and I suspect we aren’t alone. 

   I believe the leaders of our school system are at a crossroads. By continuing to act without regard for what the community is comfortable with they run the risk of becoming completely ineffective. Their belief that they “know best,” and that people in the community “couldn’t possibly understand the issues” is a complete slap in the face to those of us that try to get involved. If you are comfortable with the direction of our school system and the vision of its leaders then please don’t vote for me. I have no interest in sitting on a board that rubber stamps everything the administration wants. It seems to me that this board believes it works for the Superintendents Office. Unless I’m misinformed it is exactly the opposite. While I’m not looking to be at loggerheads with the current board, or Mrs. Godin, there is no reason to hold meetings if the vote is always unanimous. 

   Finally I would say that “operating in the sunshine” is the one thing I can guarantee will happen. There is not an ounce of “go along, to get along” in me. If I am fortunate enough to get elected you’ll never wonder where I stand on an issue. We may not agree but I will always look you in the eye and explain my position. I will not look at my feet and refuse to answer questions.

   If you want more information regarding my candidacy please go to www.jayallen.com.

    Voters can find out more about Patti Smith at her Web site:  www.pattismithforsouthportland.com. Her leadership and business management skills, her HR experience, and the progressive values many of us long for in our city leaders can be found in Patti Smith. Please vote Nov. 4.

David Jacobs

South Portland

Smith will ensure thriving community

Editor:

    The South Portland District 2 race is not about and has not been framed as choosing a Democrat or a Republican; it is about choosing the best qualified candidate, the one with the knowledge, views, and character for the job.  That candidate is clearly Patti Smith, and not Steve Onos, as Don Russell would have us believe. Patti Smith is intelligent, insightful, compassionate, collaborative, and ready for more than the planning board or the conservation commission.  We need Patti Smith’s talents and traits on our city council.  

    I have known Patti for several years and have always seen her as passionate about and committed to the community of South Portland.  Patti brings a depth of business experience, along with years of work on environmental issues.  Patti understands that sustainability is not a passing politically correct fad, but something that will invigorate our economy while protecting our futures.  Patti also understands that politics is about having a clear vision and working tirelessly with others from multiple perspectives to realize that vision.  In recent years, our city council has been mired in small town politics distracted by squabbling and divisiveness.  It is time to refocus on the issues that matter, and Patti Smith has the insight and integrity to move us forward.

    There is a reason that candidates at all levels of politics in this season are talking about change.  The nation craves change, our states are aching for change, our cities need change.  Patti Smith is the candidate who can bring a fresh, new approach to South Portland’s City Council, ensuing that our city remains a vibrant and thriving community.

Susan McCray

South Portland

Maine in danger of moving to left

Editor:
   Not since Watergate have we Republicans been held in such low esteem.  Even our presidential nominee is running as a “maverick” preaching “change.”

   Because of the fallout from national politics, Maine is in danger of electing a legislature that is lopsided to the left.  It is now more important than ever for Maine people to support moderate Republicans with balanced views.

   In the same breath that we mention the highly accomplished Collins and Snowe and the sensible Charlie Summers, I hope that Cape voters will endorse Jessica Sullivan for the House and that voters from Cape and South Portland will support Tom Dunne for the senate.

   Sullivan is an experienced health professional who has managed a thriving medical practice. The legislature desperately needs experts like her to advise rank-and-file members on the intricacies of public health – state government’s most significant mission and its largest cost center.

   Tom Dunne is famous for having directed - without pay - the governor’s Dirigo insurance program during its startup.  He has since become Dirigo’s most thoughtful critic.  Both he and Sullivan can play key roles in steering Dirigo back to its founding mission:  to extend preventive care to more people in need at the least public cost.

    In these troubled times of financial turmoil, Maine needs successful people like Sullivan and Dunne to step from the world of business into public service.

   We veterans of the legislature also need - and will welcome - their fresh advice and counsel.

Peter Mills

State Senator

Cornville

Officials endorse Kayatta for Cape Town Council

Editor: 

As former elected officials in Cape Elizabeth, we write to urge the re-election of Anne Swift-Kayatta. Over the past nine years, we have watched her work tirelessly to gather the facts needed to make good decisions. She scrutinizes every draft budget, always asking whether the town is getting value and results for our money. She goes out of her way to sit in on meetings of other boards and organizations around town so that she stays informed about the needs of Cape citizens. She is noted for listening carefully when other people offer views that might initially differ from hers. She stays constantly focused on trying to find common ground, always asking what is best for the community as a whole. We are fortunate to have someone of her abilities and dedication who cares so much about this town.

Henry Adams, former town council and school board; 

Phyllis Coggeshall, former town council; 

Carol Fritz, former town council; 

Joe Groff, former town council; 

Jack Kennealy, former school board; 

Janet McLaughlin, former town council; 

Carl Pearson, former town council;

Jack Roberts, former town council; 

Steve Simonds, former town council; 

Kevin Sweeney, former school board.

Brian Durham has my vote November 4 for State Rep

Editor:

    Brian Durham, a retired Coast Guard lawyer is running for State Representative in South Portland. He has earned my support with his common sense proposal to control taxes by prioritizing our spending.  His priorities reflect mine – fully fund education, highways, and public safety first. All of us want safe streets and good schools.

    It is not every day we get to vote for someone with 26 years of military service, and who has worked as a lawyer at the federal and state levels.  A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Brian also has an MBA from USM and a law degree from the University of Maine School of Law.  During his Coast Guard career he did everything from seizing foreign fishing vessels on Georges Bank, cleaning up oil spills, prosecuting drug and alien smuggling cases, to serving with the Navy in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War.

    Brian is an active volunteer at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland Harbor Museum, and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. His passion is the history of our state.

    Brian has the broad government experience and common sense we need in Augusta. I am supporting Brian and asking you to support him as well.

Wayne H. Ross

South Portland

David Sherman will work hard for Cape residents

Editor:

   Please join me in voting for David Sherman for town council on Nov. 4.  My wife Tracey and I left Cumberland and moved back to Cape Elizabeth in 1999 because we felt the overall quality of the town experience for our family was not at the level of what was available in Cape Elizabeth.  I was raised in this town and hope it continues to be an attractive place to live for all our citizens. Spending responsibly and ensuring that the tax burden is not too much for our citizens are very important goals.  I believe that a strong school system is the backbone of a strong and dynamic community, which benefits everyone in town. Having diligently worked along side David Sherman on the CEEF board for three years (one as president) and having a great appreciation for his six years of service on the planning board (two as chairman), I cannot think of a better candidate for town council.  

     David is fair, responsible, hard-working, and passionate in his desire to continue to make Cape Elizabeth great place to live, educate children, raise a family and conduct business. He is the right fit at the right time to serve this community on the town council.

David Weatherbie

Cape Elizabeth