Republicans announce House candidate

Cape Elizabeth Republicans have decided on a candidate for the Aug. 16 special election for the vacant Maine House District 121 seat. Town Democrats plan to nominate someone at a July 7 caucus.

Nancy E. Thompson, an insurance agent and 25-year resident of the town, was selected in a Republican caucus last week.

Town Republican Committee Chairman Ruth Anne Haley praised the nomination to fill the year left on the term.

“Nancy Thompson has demonstrated a deep commitment to our town and been an effective advocate for causes important to all of us,” Haley said.

Jamie Wagner, chairman of the Cape Elizabeth Democratic Town Committee, said there may be three or four people interested in the party nomination. 

The House seat that covers most of Cape Elizabeth was left vacant by the resignation of Democrat Cynthia Dill in May. Dill resigned after winning the special election to fill the Maine Senate District 7 seat opened by the resignation of former Sen. Larry Bliss on April 15.

Superintendent will start sooner than expected

Cape Elizabeth School Department officials expect to save about $3,700 and have incoming Superintendent Meredith Nadeau start her duties sooner than expected by allowing her to work part time beginning July 1.

Nadeau was expected to replace interim Superintendent Dr. Ken Murphy on July 21. Last month, school board members approved an arrangement that will have her work one day a week in the district and be on call the remaining days until she becomes the full-time superintendent.

“We felt that having her here on a part time basis and having her in-district was preferable to having to pay a full-time interim,” said School Board Chairman Mary Townsend.

Nadeau now serves at the Oyster River Cooperative School District in Durham, N.H., as a director of instruction.

College celebrates current, outgoing presidents

As faculty, staff and local business owners honored retiring Southern Maine Community College President Dr. James Ortiz, the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees approved Dr. Ronald Cantor as his successor.

Ortiz, the SMCC president for 10 years, was given the 2011 A Light on the Point award by the college for his efforts to expand the college and its course offerings.

Cantor, now an associate vice president and dean at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y., was selected after a search process began last winter. 

“Ron brings a set of essential attributes to this important job: Highly relevant professional experiences, strong leadership skills, a vision for the college and genuine kindness and warmth,” said Maine Community College System President John Fitzsimmons.

Cantor will become college president Aug. 29. Ortiz will retire July 29.

– Compiled by Staff Writer David Harry