Candidate Survey for two at-large South Portland City Council seats (Printed Oct. 26, 2007)
Municipal spending:
Thomas Blake: Currently our taxes are as great a burden as the taxpayers can handle. We also cannot cut city services. We must tighten our belts, we must ask questions. We must expand our friendships, increase our partnering, broaden our income base and encourage greater State funding by lobbying to a stronger degree with our elected representatives. We should explore local options to increase revenues. We must utilize the skills of all of our people, our young and our seniors, our white collar and our blue collar, our small businesses and our large corporations to develop strategies to assist us so we can maintain our current municipal services.
Linda Boudreau: I believe that the Council is responsible for spending the least amount of money to get the best possible services that the residents of the community need for their health safety and welfare.
Donald Legere: I believe in having a vision and investing in the community. Operating expenses need to be continually evaluated with an emphasis on operational efficiency.
Louie Maietta: Priorities need to be identified from top to bottom and brought under control.
Tax-reform priorities:
Boudreau: State law determines how we are taxed. I feel that broadening the tax base and adopting a local option sales tax are ways the state could address tax reform. Reducing taxes at the local level will come from consolidation, some privatization of services, impact fees, and reviewing and controlling the expansion of services.
Legere: Promoting economic growth in the existing business sectors will lead to a stronger business community. This in turn will lower the residential tax burden. Implementation of an annual revaluation process will allow more predictability for the taxpayer resulting in less dramatic shifts in taxes. This will also ensure the city is compliant with state law pertaining to the percent a property’s tax value is compared to the market value. This is essential for maximum state property tax relief for the residents.
Maietta: There needs to be a super majority vote (5 out of 7) of the council to spend tax payer’s money on any one item over $25,000.
Blake: I do not have the magical formula for tax reform. It is clear though that Augusta needs to do something and we need to encourage action through our representatives. We need to do a greater job at sharing the state revenues so that more comes into South Portland and less goes out.
Growth and development:
Legere: Focus should be put on making the community stronger by working toward helping the existing business sectors grow and prosper.
Maietta: It is a necessity to keep up with the quality of life that the citizens of South Portland expect. People want to live in the community that they work in and South Portland is fortunate to have the business climate that we have.
Blake: South Portland is a very diverse community and it is that diversity that makes us the nice community we are. There is a fine balance though and that is achieved through community involvement that encourages quality development. We can encourage developers to do more but we cannot mandate it. Chapter 27 on zoning is now being reviewed and the community must be involved to assure that changes reflect what people desire. The changes must protect our environment and assure quality development that mixes with our neighborhoods.
Boudreau: The city needs to welcome growth in commercial and industrial areas. We need to review and direct growth in residential areas to maintain quality of life and do our part to protect open space and provide for a healthy environment.
Education funding:
Maietta: The funding for “education” is a priority. It is the way that the money is spent after it is allotted that is disturbing. Teaching kids should be the #1 priority. Consolidating services with the municipal departments would allow for better pay for teachers that teach our kids.
Boudreau: We need to provide the best possible education for all children in South Portland at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer.
Blake: South Portland has a high evaluation and a lot of money flows into South Portland. Due to our evaluation, the money flows to Augusta where it is distributed to the more rural, poorer communities. As a result, we have to assist funding school facilities in much of Maine while funding SP at the full amount. We need a concentrated effort to lobby Augusta and let them know that our people have spoken and have had enough. We need help! We must increase our lobbying and networking with our elected representatives to change the exiting formulas to bring more dollars for education to South Portland.
Legere: The city should continue to achieve greater funding from the state. Investments must be made in the schools to provide opportunities for the students to be prepared to face the challenges of today’s ever changing world. Funding needs to also include resources for continued training and evaluations of school personnel.
Economic development:
Boudreau: Economic development helps South Portland provide jobs, build its infrastructure, pay for its education system and provide the public safety and recreational services that residents want. We need to encourage economic development and work with businesses to provide the best opportunity for their success.
Legere: Focus should be on existing business sectors.
Maietta: More attention needs to be given to all of the businesses, big and small to assure that we keep and attract all that we can. Businesses are our biggest taxpayer and the residents would be taxed out of their homes if they had to pick up the cost of business leaving our tax rolls.
Blake: The economy in the entire country and state is not very healthy. We must promote economic development without sacrificing the environment or placing the burden on the local taxpayers. South Portland is a desirable community to do business in. With a positive attitude and a unified approach from business and citizenry alike, we should be able to continue to attract reputable businesses.
Infrastructure priorities:
Blake: Due to the development pressures that South Portland has faced over the recent decades, we have some serious infrastructure needs. The City Council just identified 15 infrastructure needs. We need to evaluate and prioritize these needs and work on them in an aggressive fashion while seeking Sate and Federal funding to assist us with our needs. Those that involve life safety, education and the environment should be at the top of the list.
Boudreau: Clean water, a working sewer system and roadways that are safe. Buildings must be maintained and constructed when necessary to provide healthy and efficient workplaces for our employees. Recreational opportunities should be provided when possible so that people can feel a sense of community and can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Legere: Completion of Exit 3, Southbound ramp onto I-295 at Lincoln Street. Designated truck route from Turner’s Island terminals. Sound barriers for residents on the I-295 corridor.
Maietta: South Portland has done a great job of taking care of the infrastructure. The problem we have is with State-funded jobs, we are paying a higher share of the work that is being done. South Portland doesn’t do a good job in fighting Augusta for funding that is needed to do roads, bridges, sound barriers, school renovations, etc.
Spending priorities:
Boudreau: Public safety, education, and infrastructure.
Legere: Maintain existing services, education, economic growth.
Maietta: Fire and Rescue Department, Police and Dispatch Department, Public Works Department.
Blake: Education, public services, public works and parks and recreation.
Spending to be cut or eliminated:
Legere: None known, but will be continuing to promote dialog that evaluates efficiency.
Maietta: More departments could be consolidated with less department heads.
Blake: We can tighten our belts. We can do some consolidation. Most importantly we need to work with our partners and expand our revenues. I am not in favor of eliminating any municipal services.
Boudreau: I don’t believe there are areas to be cut or eliminated. If the cost of the current services grows, I think we should continue to look at efficiencies, cost sharing, consolidation of departments and services, and partnerships with other communities.
Goals to accomplish next term:
Maietta: Having the council be more open with the citizens. Accountability from the entirety of municipal departments and the school departments. Show more of a presence in Augusta and go after what we need for funding this City that is the biggest sales tax collector for the State of Maine.
Boudreau: Annual revaluations; more participation in city government and a street light at Sawyer and Broadway (this has haunted me for years!).
Legere: Tax stabilization, develop a plan for smarter use of municipal facilities, implementation of an economic plan to foster growth in existing business areas
Blake: I would like to see the public become more involved in the community; we also need to prioritize our education and municipal needs and work diligently on accomplishing them and we need to update our Comprehensive Plan and our Open Space plan.
Issues voters bring up most often:
Blake: Development issues and how they have damaged our watersheds, stressed our infrastructure, left insufficient open space, etc. We have an excellent opportunity now, through the Chapter 27 review committee, to tighten up our ordinances and I encourage public participation to do this. Taxes are too high. We must increase our revenues and look to Augusta, Washington and other sources to increase our incomes. The school bond issues and educational needs. We must prioritize our education needs and begin a plan to activate them expediently.
Boudreau: People ask me about the issues that are currently on the agenda and in the press; chickens, city manger search, and the high school bond are important to them right now. The chicken issue is decided, the manager search will be done in a process that respects all applicants and I’ll be voting against the high school bond because I don’t believe the city has the information needed relative to impact on the city’s financial status nor has it developed its priorities. More importantly as I campaign, people thank me for running and appreciate that I take the time to study the issues and that I am fair and honest.
Maietta: High School renovations, I would not vote to borrow $56 million that would do major damage to our elderly and their ability to continue to live here in South Portland.
Legere: The High School renovation project. I am in favor of proposed renovations to the high school. We are in desperate need of facilities that allow the opportunity for all our students to have educational opportunities. The bond referendum is very costly and cannot be taken lightly. The fact is that it is now up to the voters. I believe I have the financial background and understanding to help the city navigate through the financial challenges that will face the city if the referendum passes. If it doesn’t, I will continue to support a renovation project and will work with the school facilities committee to develop another plan to present to the voters at the earliest opportunity.
Ways voters can differentiate you from your opponents:
Blake: I am a life long resident and have an endless record of strong community involvement. I am a team person and can build a solid team of citizens to make great South Portland even greater. As a 27-year employee of the city, I know the city extremely well and from day one will be knowledgeable and effective.
Boudreau: I have more experience. I am a recognized leader in the community and region and voters know that I will do the work necessary to be the best possible councilor they can elect.
Legere: I’m taking a supportive stance on the school renovation bond, but maintaining a steadfast position to be smart about how the project proceeds. Very broad experience; community experience and involvement not limited to a single issue. Have an actual plan for tax stabilization.
Maietta: Knowledge and experience with State and Local Government. My past record will show my availability to all citizens who want someone they feel comfortable going to for answers. I will ask the tough questions and will not stop until I get the answers.
Thomas Blake: Currently our taxes are as great a burden as the taxpayers can handle. We also cannot cut city services. We must tighten our belts, we must ask questions. We must expand our friendships, increase our partnering, broaden our income base and encourage greater State funding by lobbying to a stronger degree with our elected representatives. We should explore local options to increase revenues. We must utilize the skills of all of our people, our young and our seniors, our white collar and our blue collar, our small businesses and our large corporations to develop strategies to assist us so we can maintain our current municipal services.
Linda Boudreau: I believe that the Council is responsible for spending the least amount of money to get the best possible services that the residents of the community need for their health safety and welfare.
Donald Legere: I believe in having a vision and investing in the community. Operating expenses need to be continually evaluated with an emphasis on operational efficiency.
Louie Maietta: Priorities need to be identified from top to bottom and brought under control.
Tax-reform priorities:
Boudreau: State law determines how we are taxed. I feel that broadening the tax base and adopting a local option sales tax are ways the state could address tax reform. Reducing taxes at the local level will come from consolidation, some privatization of services, impact fees, and reviewing and controlling the expansion of services.
Legere: Promoting economic growth in the existing business sectors will lead to a stronger business community. This in turn will lower the residential tax burden. Implementation of an annual revaluation process will allow more predictability for the taxpayer resulting in less dramatic shifts in taxes. This will also ensure the city is compliant with state law pertaining to the percent a property’s tax value is compared to the market value. This is essential for maximum state property tax relief for the residents.
Maietta: There needs to be a super majority vote (5 out of 7) of the council to spend tax payer’s money on any one item over $25,000.
Blake: I do not have the magical formula for tax reform. It is clear though that Augusta needs to do something and we need to encourage action through our representatives. We need to do a greater job at sharing the state revenues so that more comes into South Portland and less goes out.
Growth and development:
Legere: Focus should be put on making the community stronger by working toward helping the existing business sectors grow and prosper.
Maietta: It is a necessity to keep up with the quality of life that the citizens of South Portland expect. People want to live in the community that they work in and South Portland is fortunate to have the business climate that we have.
Blake: South Portland is a very diverse community and it is that diversity that makes us the nice community we are. There is a fine balance though and that is achieved through community involvement that encourages quality development. We can encourage developers to do more but we cannot mandate it. Chapter 27 on zoning is now being reviewed and the community must be involved to assure that changes reflect what people desire. The changes must protect our environment and assure quality development that mixes with our neighborhoods.
Boudreau: The city needs to welcome growth in commercial and industrial areas. We need to review and direct growth in residential areas to maintain quality of life and do our part to protect open space and provide for a healthy environment.
Education funding:
Maietta: The funding for “education” is a priority. It is the way that the money is spent after it is allotted that is disturbing. Teaching kids should be the #1 priority. Consolidating services with the municipal departments would allow for better pay for teachers that teach our kids.
Boudreau: We need to provide the best possible education for all children in South Portland at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer.
Blake: South Portland has a high evaluation and a lot of money flows into South Portland. Due to our evaluation, the money flows to Augusta where it is distributed to the more rural, poorer communities. As a result, we have to assist funding school facilities in much of Maine while funding SP at the full amount. We need a concentrated effort to lobby Augusta and let them know that our people have spoken and have had enough. We need help! We must increase our lobbying and networking with our elected representatives to change the exiting formulas to bring more dollars for education to South Portland.
Legere: The city should continue to achieve greater funding from the state. Investments must be made in the schools to provide opportunities for the students to be prepared to face the challenges of today’s ever changing world. Funding needs to also include resources for continued training and evaluations of school personnel.
Economic development:
Boudreau: Economic development helps South Portland provide jobs, build its infrastructure, pay for its education system and provide the public safety and recreational services that residents want. We need to encourage economic development and work with businesses to provide the best opportunity for their success.
Legere: Focus should be on existing business sectors.
Maietta: More attention needs to be given to all of the businesses, big and small to assure that we keep and attract all that we can. Businesses are our biggest taxpayer and the residents would be taxed out of their homes if they had to pick up the cost of business leaving our tax rolls.
Blake: The economy in the entire country and state is not very healthy. We must promote economic development without sacrificing the environment or placing the burden on the local taxpayers. South Portland is a desirable community to do business in. With a positive attitude and a unified approach from business and citizenry alike, we should be able to continue to attract reputable businesses.
Infrastructure priorities:
Blake: Due to the development pressures that South Portland has faced over the recent decades, we have some serious infrastructure needs. The City Council just identified 15 infrastructure needs. We need to evaluate and prioritize these needs and work on them in an aggressive fashion while seeking Sate and Federal funding to assist us with our needs. Those that involve life safety, education and the environment should be at the top of the list.
Boudreau: Clean water, a working sewer system and roadways that are safe. Buildings must be maintained and constructed when necessary to provide healthy and efficient workplaces for our employees. Recreational opportunities should be provided when possible so that people can feel a sense of community and can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Legere: Completion of Exit 3, Southbound ramp onto I-295 at Lincoln Street. Designated truck route from Turner’s Island terminals. Sound barriers for residents on the I-295 corridor.
Maietta: South Portland has done a great job of taking care of the infrastructure. The problem we have is with State-funded jobs, we are paying a higher share of the work that is being done. South Portland doesn’t do a good job in fighting Augusta for funding that is needed to do roads, bridges, sound barriers, school renovations, etc.
Spending priorities:
Boudreau: Public safety, education, and infrastructure.
Legere: Maintain existing services, education, economic growth.
Maietta: Fire and Rescue Department, Police and Dispatch Department, Public Works Department.
Blake: Education, public services, public works and parks and recreation.
Spending to be cut or eliminated:
Legere: None known, but will be continuing to promote dialog that evaluates efficiency.
Maietta: More departments could be consolidated with less department heads.
Blake: We can tighten our belts. We can do some consolidation. Most importantly we need to work with our partners and expand our revenues. I am not in favor of eliminating any municipal services.
Boudreau: I don’t believe there are areas to be cut or eliminated. If the cost of the current services grows, I think we should continue to look at efficiencies, cost sharing, consolidation of departments and services, and partnerships with other communities.
Goals to accomplish next term:
Maietta: Having the council be more open with the citizens. Accountability from the entirety of municipal departments and the school departments. Show more of a presence in Augusta and go after what we need for funding this City that is the biggest sales tax collector for the State of Maine.
Boudreau: Annual revaluations; more participation in city government and a street light at Sawyer and Broadway (this has haunted me for years!).
Legere: Tax stabilization, develop a plan for smarter use of municipal facilities, implementation of an economic plan to foster growth in existing business areas
Blake: I would like to see the public become more involved in the community; we also need to prioritize our education and municipal needs and work diligently on accomplishing them and we need to update our Comprehensive Plan and our Open Space plan.
Issues voters bring up most often:
Blake: Development issues and how they have damaged our watersheds, stressed our infrastructure, left insufficient open space, etc. We have an excellent opportunity now, through the Chapter 27 review committee, to tighten up our ordinances and I encourage public participation to do this. Taxes are too high. We must increase our revenues and look to Augusta, Washington and other sources to increase our incomes. The school bond issues and educational needs. We must prioritize our education needs and begin a plan to activate them expediently.
Boudreau: People ask me about the issues that are currently on the agenda and in the press; chickens, city manger search, and the high school bond are important to them right now. The chicken issue is decided, the manager search will be done in a process that respects all applicants and I’ll be voting against the high school bond because I don’t believe the city has the information needed relative to impact on the city’s financial status nor has it developed its priorities. More importantly as I campaign, people thank me for running and appreciate that I take the time to study the issues and that I am fair and honest.
Maietta: High School renovations, I would not vote to borrow $56 million that would do major damage to our elderly and their ability to continue to live here in South Portland.
Legere: The High School renovation project. I am in favor of proposed renovations to the high school. We are in desperate need of facilities that allow the opportunity for all our students to have educational opportunities. The bond referendum is very costly and cannot be taken lightly. The fact is that it is now up to the voters. I believe I have the financial background and understanding to help the city navigate through the financial challenges that will face the city if the referendum passes. If it doesn’t, I will continue to support a renovation project and will work with the school facilities committee to develop another plan to present to the voters at the earliest opportunity.
Ways voters can differentiate you from your opponents:
Blake: I am a life long resident and have an endless record of strong community involvement. I am a team person and can build a solid team of citizens to make great South Portland even greater. As a 27-year employee of the city, I know the city extremely well and from day one will be knowledgeable and effective.
Boudreau: I have more experience. I am a recognized leader in the community and region and voters know that I will do the work necessary to be the best possible councilor they can elect.
Legere: I’m taking a supportive stance on the school renovation bond, but maintaining a steadfast position to be smart about how the project proceeds. Very broad experience; community experience and involvement not limited to a single issue. Have an actual plan for tax stabilization.
Maietta: Knowledge and experience with State and Local Government. My past record will show my availability to all citizens who want someone they feel comfortable going to for answers. I will ask the tough questions and will not stop until I get the answers.
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