Editor:

   I have spoken with many concerning my desire to represent you on the South Portland School Board. I have received official word that I am on the ballot. Now the work begins. Please read on and then contact your own friends and circle of influence if you wish to support my election. I believe that the current board needs a little “outside the box” thinking infused from someone who has the experience and know how to guide toward pro-active decisions, thus avoiding “we gotta do something” decisions.

    In order to make this happen, I want to personally ask you to help. Please go to my Web site, www.kfassett.com, and read all the information I have there. If my qualifications, goals and philosophy are something you can get behind I would appreciate your support. As I indicate on my Web site, I consider this a “we” thing and not a “me” thing.

   There are many important decisions before the people of South Portland in the coming three-year term. These are decisions that will determine the educational path of our children’s future. I feel like this is our only opportunity to make a difference and ensure that the voice of the people is heard and considered. This is an important vote and we must support the most qualified candidates with expertise to spend 40 million dollars a year and another chunk at least that size, if necessary, on facilities and equipment that will be utilized for 20-50 years.

    My campaign is not about aspirations for a political career. I have no interest in that. What I am interested in doing is stepping up to the plate to serve the fine people and families of this city. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but I do commit to working toward collaborative and informed solutions. I will not vote to approve anything that uses “we have to do something” as the defining statement. I will be accountable for my voting, as should current and incumbent board members.

    Collaboration cannot happen if I am doing this alone. I am asking and expecting the people of South Portland to journey with me and help me gain the perspective I need to make informative, responsible and inclusive decisions.

   For this to happen, I must first get elected. If you like what you see and want to see me get elected, I would love to have your help with my campaign. Getting enough votes is not going to be easy. I NEED YOUR HELP!

   I am not planning to put up a bunch of sidewalk signs and do not have a bunch of cash to throw at a campaign. My campaign will rely on word-of-mouth, personal visits and volunteers like you who believe that I would be a good choice and will do a good job.

   All I am asking you to do is help me reach your neighborhood, your friends, people you know who vote in South Portland and I am looking for a few people to help on election day.

   Thanks for your consideration and ideas on reaching other voters. Remember to visit www.kfassett.com and get the address to others so they can make an informed vote. I encourage you to also use my message boards to start discussing issues and ideas.

Kendall Fassett

South Portland