Townsend is right choice for Cape school board

Editor:

    We are fortunate to live in a community where we likely know those called to serve us further by running for public office. I am fortunate to know Mary Townsend who is running for the school board. Shortly after having met Mary, she began the grassroots campaign which resulted in the approval of the long overdue high school renovations and allowed us to bring our kindergarten students back to the elementary school setting where they belong. 

     I was immediately impressed with her skills to organize concerned citizens, decipher and disseminate ideas and information all with a strategic and fair-minded approach.  Her abilities empowered me to become more community minded and involved. 

     In the years since, Mary has continued to mobilize others and build consensus advocating for the betterment of our schools. In addition, she has served on the Vestry at St. Albans and built a dynamic middle school youth program there, again, advocating for the needs of our area youth.    

     As a member of the school board, I know Mary will serve the needs of our teachers, administrators and students and will give all citizens the opportunity to engage in a positive forum to address the needs of education in Cape Elizabeth. 

     Please join me on Nov. 4 to elect Mary Townsend to serve on the School Board. 

 Jane Anderson

Cape Elizabeth

Elect Haley 

for school board

Editor:

   In this day and age of quick answers, it is always an important moment when you meet someone who epitomizes all those qualities of the thoughtful and unbiased thinker.  

   Ruth Anne Haley, a person relatively new to our town, would add a new perspective to the discussion of how to best educate our children in tough economic times. Her extensive experience, and success, while serving on the school board in a much larger community would stimulate new approaches and ideas. She is a mother, wife, professional educator and dedicated hard working fiscal conservative.  In addition, her ability to ask the right questions to get to the bottom of an issue is a respected leadership quality which would enhance the Cape Elizabeth school board and in turn the town of Cape Elizabeth.

  As a professional employed by Central Maine Community College, Ruth Anne realizes the importance of a good education.  She also realizes the responsibility of individuals who serve on a school board to balance the interest of all the citizens of a town. I believe she will help find creative ways to provide the best education system possible with the belief that it doesn’t have to involve higher taxes.  

   I am an educator and a concerned tax payer and I urge you to join me in writing in the name Ruth Anne Haley for the three year term.  

 Lynda Brearey

Cape Elizabeth

Reelect Dill Nov. 4

Editor:

    Representative Cynthia Dill worked with both Democrats and Republicans in the 123^rd legislative session to overhaul Maine’s tax system, and will continue to work in this regard when she is reelected and returns next session.

    Here in Cape Elizabeth in March of 2008, Cynthia organized and hosted a panel discussion about tax reform held at the Town Hall.  Panel members included:  Rep. John Piotti, house chair, taxation committee; Sen. Peter Mills, R-Somerset; Sen. Karl Turner, R-Cumberland; Anne Swift-Kayatta, president, Maine Municipal Association; Dana Connors, president, Maine State Chamber of Commerce; and Martha Freeman, director, Maine State Planning Office.  Speaker of the Maine  House of Representatives, Glenn Cummings, also spoke to those in attendance and watching on TV.

    The panel members and Cynthia agreed that there is a need to comprehensively reform our tax code to reduce income and capital gains tax rates, while broadening the sales tax base in order to obtain economic prosperity and reduce our tax burden.

    Our country is better served by elected officials who put aside partisan bickering and work to solve problems across party lines.  Cynthia Dill is such a person, and we should reelect her in November.

Tom Clarke

Cape Elizabeth

Vote Kayatta Nov. 4

Editor:

  Citizens of Cape Elizabeth are incredibly lucky to have Anne Swift-Kayatta serve on our town council, and we should definitely vote to re-elect her this November. 

  Anne’s experience is very broad and diverse – town councilor since 1999; member of the Thomas Memorial Library Board of Trustees from 1996-1999; President, CE Middle School Parents Association, 1996-1998; classroom volunteer; and member of numerous town committees, including Library Building Study Committee; Comprehensive Plan Committee; Tax Cap Task Force; CE Schools Future Directions Planning Group; School Facilities Committee; and the Community Center Study Committee.  

   Anne was also elected from people all over the state to be Maine Municipal Association’s president in 2008; serves on the Board of United Way of Greater Portland Foundation and is a member of the Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth.

   I admire Anne’s ability to balance the need for responsible taxation with her commitment to excellent municipal services and schools. Anne fought TABOR because it would wreak havoc on our community and served as the Treasurer of Citizens United to Protect our Public Safety, Schools and Communities from 2004-07, while at the same time resisted the pressure to increase municipal and school budgets beyond the reach of middle-income Cape residents. 

   Taking a thoughtful and firm stand on issues after careful review of all the facts is sometimes difficult, but Anne’s commitment to what is best for our town as a whole is undeniable. She is exceptionally professional, well-prepared, extremely smart, quite funny and very warm-hearted. Its people like Anne that make Cape Elizabeth a fantastic place to live and raise a family.

   It has been an honor serving alongside Anne Swift-Kayatta on the town council, and I strongly urge fellow Cape residents to join me in re-electing her on November 4.

Cynthia Dill

Cape Elizabeth

Sullivan would be asset to Cape 

Editor:

  As a native Mainer, I am writing today to urge citizens of Cape Elizabeth to vote for Jessica Sullivan for State Representative of District 121 on Nov. 4. By electing Jessica, we have the unusual opportunity to be represented by a person who has managed a small business in the health care industry. She knows the challenges facing the health care field. Her knowledge and experience will be an invaluable asset to the people of Cape Elizabeth and Maine.

  I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Jessica and believe that she will make a great State Representative.  If you have the opportunity, please take the time to talk with her and get to know her.  I think you will agree that she is the kind of state representative we need in Augusta.Vote for Jessica Sullivan on Nov. 4.

Tom Dunham

Cape Elizabeth

Kaenrath is ‘breath of fresh air’

Editor:

    I wanted to let everyone in South Portland know that I finally found a politician that truly cares about us! His name is Bryan Kaenrath and he’s running for reelection this year for State Representative here in South Portland. Two years ago when he was running the first time around, Bryan came knocking on my door to introduce himself. What I found was a young man who was energetic, knowledgeable and interested in what mattered to me. He wanted to know how I was doing and what was on my mind. He was in a word -— Authentic. We ended up talking for over half and hour. I’ve contacted Bryan over the past two years about various issues on my mind and he’s always been there to discuss anything at length and help with whatever I needed. I’ve never seen such a commitment to people and our community. I don’t often write letters to the paper but I wanted to strongly urge my neighbors in South Portland to re-elect Bryan Kaenrath. He’s truly a breath of fresh air in a world of stale politics. Bryan has been there for me and he’ll be there for you too. I’m very proud he’s our State Representative.

Ann Ferreira

South Portland

Support Mary Townsend for board

Editor:

 I have known Mary Townsend for the last 10 years.  I am writing to support her campaign for election to the school board. I have always admired Mary’s committed involvement to both school and community efforts. She feels strongly about personnel duty and giving back to ones community. When thinking about Mary’s positive traits, the words passion and conviction but more importantly, moderation come to mind. She is the first to acknowledge the opposition’s view on any issue. In our current budget cutting environment, Mary’s calm, collaborative style would be a welcomed asset to the school board. Please consider Mary Townsend when you vote Nov. 4.  

Laura McGrath

Cape Elizabeth

Onos has what it takes for Dist. 2 race

Editor:

  Some might lead you to believe that the South Portland District 2 race is merely about choosing a Democrat over a Republican (noting in reality that Steve Onos has been a free-thinking Independent longer than I have)  and that Patti Smith deserves your vote simply because she is, I believe,  correctly perceived as more liberal than Steve in her local or national views. I would disagree. Robotic party lines or perceptions are no way  to vote in my opinion. It is about people period — leaders who are committed, qualified, and energized with views and approaches compatible with most citizens.

   Who would be the best city councilor to help South Portland tackle some major issues and needs at this time? Who would best compliment, balance, and improve the council — providing new and important, not replicated, skill sets to the team? Those are the key questions. And though Patti Smith seems like a terrific person with a lot to offer South Portland on planning board or conservation commission - Steve Onos is the better choice at this time.

  When you think about what is coming down the pike regards high school funding and middle school consolidation, Steve’s significant background, acumen, and contacts on the school board will be vital. When you think about the huge infrastructure and asset management issues that South Portland is currently faced with during highly troubled economic times, Steve’s vast experience in business, banking, lending, and financial management will be very helpful. And when you think about what makes a good, high value, effective, well-rounded council, it seems to me that complimenting Tom Blake (who is terrific and I support as well) is more important than cloning him. I have been vocal in my public service and private discussions about needing a council that is balanced, creative, and representative of all, whether developers or environmentalists. To that point, South Portland needs Steve Onos on council just as much as we really needed Tom Blake on council, and Caroline Hendry and Steve Jocher on planning board.

Don Russell

South Portland

Support Bryan Kaenrath for State Rep.

Editor:

   I am writing this letter to show support for Bryan Kaenrath who is running for State Rep. in South Portland. Bryan Kaenrath does not represent politics as usual. Already in his political career as State Rep. for South Portland, Bryan has set himself apart. Instead he represents the next generation of leaders in Augusta who seek positive change and are willing to work for it. With a progressive vision for South Portland, which addresses many of the issues South Portlanders find most important, Bryan keeps his ear to the pavement and listens to what matters most to the people who put him in Augusta. He brings concern for the environment and dedication to children and the public schools evolving needs. He cares for the elderly and for those economically challenged. Bryan Kaenrath is interested in fiscal responsibility and the economic future of South Portland and Maine. Vote for Bryan Kaenrath because he deserves your vote of confidence and he will work hard to continue to earn your trust.

Robert SanGiovanni

South Portland

Support Sherman for Cape council

Editor:

   By electing David Sherman to the Cape Elizabeth Town Council on Nov. 4, we’ll be adding a reasonable, experienced voice to the group chosen to manage our town. As I think back on the last few years of debate within our town, it’s clear that the issues we face deserve an approach that’s equal parts pragmatic and creative. Having served with Dave on the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation (CEEF), I’ve seen this approach first-hand through his hard-work, intelligence, and professional capabilities. With Dorie Barber, he successfully led the effort to raise $750,000 for the benefit of our schools, much of which has been used to fund initiatives that are paying meaningful dividends today. Without his leadership and energy, it’s hard to imagine how this effort would have succeeded.  Dave is fiscally conservative and will devote considerable time to the examination of where our town can achieve savings and efficiencies. While a strong proponent of our schools, he’s sensitive to our expanding tax rate and its burden on all the citizens of Cape Elizabeth. Dave is no stranger to our town – his family moved here in 1978 and he and his wife returned in 1993 to raise their sons.  He’s committed an enormous amount of time for the benefit of not only Cape Elizabeth (Planning Board, CEEF, coach of youth soccer and baseball), but also surrounding charities (Boys and Girls Club of Greater Portland, Catherine Morrill Day Nursery). To each organization, he has given tirelessly and left them in better shape than before he arrived. In a town consisting of so many capable individuals, I cannot think of a person better suited to lead our community in such challenging times.  Please join me in voting for Dave Sherman for town council on Nov. 4.

Mark Sawyer

Cape Elizabeth