Cost to town is much more than monetary

To the editor:

Generations of Cape Elizabeth children have enjoyed exploring, playing sports, Family Fun Day and graduations at Fort Williams. Now some Cape Elizabeth residents want to deny today’s kids the same freedom and privileges their parents enjoyed. 

Yes, there won’t be fees for certain events and a $10 yearly sticker will allow families access to the park, and kids can bike or walk into the park, but let’s not fool ourselves or them. A park that is being patrolled for parking scofflaws and one that has meters and signs advising of parking costs is not the Fort Williams we all have enjoyed for 46 years.

When people are being asked to ante up for the privilege of a parking space they will expect more amenities than are now necessary. This will further change a Fort Williams experience. Don’t kids today have enough restrictions and structured lives?  

Cape Elizabeth children are brought up with the ideals of sharing, acceptance and tolerance. Doesn’t it seem ironic our town will restrict what we can share, accept and tolerate?  

Emily Materson

Cape Elizabeth

Councilor doesn’t agree with school budget

To the editor:

Thursday, May 6, is a day to mark on your calendar. It is a special vote in South Portland on two issues: the school budget referendum and a vote to determine if the public should continue to vote on the school budget. 

The only polling place for the entire city will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center. You may also vote at city hall all day, every day  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 27 to May 6 and until 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

This school budget calls for 25 positions to be cut, all in direct services to children, but not one single administrator is on the chopping block,  yet the budget asks for an  increase of $1.7 million. Administrators expended more than $800,000 in fees to Harriman Architects without having a voter-approved high school renovation plan. Is this sound financing?

Are we truly considering what is best for the education of our community’s children or are we padding an already top-heavy administration that concerns itself first with self-protection before the needs of our youth?

I am a 34-year educator, a strong, lifelong supporter of public education and one of your city councilors, yet I find myself challenging the efficacy of this budget. I urge you to ask questions, consider the pros and cons and then go to the polls. 

Lastly, I believe the school budget should remain in the hands of the residents and not be determined by seven city councilors. Be active, be involved, be informed and then vote.

Rosemarie De Angelis

South Portland