Seven candidates aim to fill three open seats on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council in the Nov. 3 election. The seats are held by Jessica Sullivan, Jamie Wagner and Jim Walsh.
Wagner, who is in his first term, and Walsh, who is in his second term, are not seeking re-election this fall.
Sullivan, serving her second term and the contest’s only incumbent, will appear on the November ballot along with newcomers Victoria Volent, James Garvin, Roger Bishop, Ralph Miller, Imogene Altznauer and Sara Lennon, who served two terms on the council from 2006-2012.
The Current asked the candidates the same series of questions about what is motivating them to run for the council, and their responses follow:
Imogene Altznauer
Age: 56
Occupation: Partner, Flavors Festivals, LLC, (Festival Mgmt & Production)
Political Experience: None
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: The desire to act on behalf of the citizens of our community, asking for their input on issues at the start of a process, rather than pushing full steam forward on initiatives and then asking for input after a tremendous amount of time and money have been spent.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: I would make sure all of the appropriate safety measures have been adequately addressed before approving the re-opening of the range.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: 1) Create arenas such as the “community round table” to solicit community input to drive the Town Council’s annual goals and to periodically check in to report back out to the community on progress.
2) Work to preserve the open spaces and rural character of this town.
3) Work to collaborate and support the excellent work that is currently being done by the school board administrators and amazing faculty.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow creation of a village green?
A: This is where the voices of this community need to be in the forefront. It really doesn’t matter what I think. If elected, my job would be to ensure the voices and wishes of this community are heard and acted upon accordingly.
These are two separate issues and the lines are getting blurred. 1) Development of a specific parcel of land between Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and Town Hall; The citizens of this community have repeatedly expressed that they do not favor development of this area and to please remove the shroud of “gifting back to the town, a village green.” Changing the laws/ordinances to accommodate this specific project sets a bad precedent for future projects/development in that if we change laws/ordinances to accommodate one developer, how can we not do it for another? 2) Do the people of this community want a village green at all? I might suggest putting that on the ballot with a “yes” or “no” response and then follow it with “where?”
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: As I have not been involved in the process, I cannot say if it is fair or not. As a town council representative, I would work to ensure that the budget reflects the citizens’ concerns and that it is fiscally responsible.
James Garvin
Age: 40
Occupation: Marketing Executive
Political Experience: Member of Cape Elizabeth Recycling Committee (past chairman, current secretary) and Solid Waste & Recycling Long Range Planning Committee; former board member, Cape Cottage Beach Association.
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I want to serve the people of our community by bringing a fresh voice and new ideas to the Town Council, listening to the citizens’ needs and concerns, and working collaboratively with fellow councilors, town administrators, the School Board and other stakeholders to create common-sense solutions to not just the challenges facing Cape Elizabeth, but also the opportunities waiting to be seized. I’ve had valuable opportunities on various committees to participate in work that helps contribute to the Town Council’s goals, and I am looking to continue to lend my time and talents to the community in a meaningful way.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: First, I don’t view this as just a dispute between the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club and a single neighborhood. It is an important issue that many people care about beyond just those two parties. That being said, I agree with the direction signaled at the Sept. 14 Town Council meeting and public hearing on the issue. I understand the concerns expressed by those opposing the club, but I support the club’s ability to operate, as long as the safety measures (including 100-percent shot containment) and other recommendations as outlined in the report submitted by Rick LaRosa are implemented.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: The council’s top priorities in the coming year should be:
1) Strategic planning for land use and development in the Town Center.
2) Making necessary investments in services and facilities, but in a way that minimizes the tax burden as much as possible. This includes the recommended improvements at the Recycling Center, along with increasing cellular coverage, something the public strongly voiced in favor of at the Sept. 17 Citizens’ Round Table event.
3) Supporting our schools through collaborative and responsible budget planning.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow creation of a village green?
A: Cape Elizabeth is in a unique position with the number of Town Center properties on the market, recently sold, or with potential for development. I support managing any development in a way that balances the interests of residential and commercial growth with preserving the qualities and characteristics of the community that are so important to why people choose to live and work here. Specifically regarding the zoning changes, I support the recommendation of the Planning Board to adopt the amendments that would allow for the creation of a village green as part of a proposed development adjacent to Town Hall.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: I don’t think it’s a question of whether the $9.8 million budget is fair or unfair. Instead, it’s what value are we getting in return for that number? Ultimately, there are a lot of factors to contribute to the total budget figure. What is important is that the process by which the budget is developed is fair, collaborative and open. Furthermore, my view is regardless of the actual budget number, it is critical that the council ensure that our tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible, while delivering maximum value to the town.
Jessica L. Sullivan
Age: 61
Occupation: Graduate student
Political Experience: Cape Elizabeth Town Councilor 2010 to present; Former State House District 121 candidate, 2008.
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I really enjoy serving our community and doing the work needed to be a good councilor. Getting to know many of our wonderful citizens has been a delightful experience. I enjoy studying the issues we face and working hard to find solutions, using a balanced approach to all decision making, based upon careful review of the facts and issues.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: In 2013 the town made a strong effort to advance a solution and this included hiring an attorney who met with different concerned parties. These efforts led to a deliberative and inclusive ordinance developed by the town and passed in 2014, which has led us to today’s goal of 100-percent shot containment. We are finally at this place because of the balanced and fair efforts of the Town Council since 2013, which I supported wholeheartedly. Safety has been the Town Council’s concern, and the ordinance is the solution.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: Budget scrutiny with concern for our taxpayers is always No. 1 for me. How do we maintain high quality municipal services and outstanding public schools at the lowest possible cost? We will need to review the recent recommendations of the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission and decide how to move forward. We will also be reviewing the Solid Waste and Recycling Long Range Planning Committee’s report and will be making decisions for the future of our transfer station.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow the creation of a village green?
A: The Town Center has its own designated Town Center Zone District and I support zone-compliant development. The Village Green Zoning Amendment proposed by our Planning Board does nothing to promote or discourage the development of private property within the Town Center zone. It does, however, make the creation of more publicly accessible open space within the Town Center zone a greater possibility. So yes, I support this amendment because it allows the potential of more public open space in the Town Center on developed private property.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: We are always challenged to provide the outstanding municipal services our citizens expect at the lowest cost, and as a fiscal conservative I feel this is a constant concern. Our recent decision to share tax assessor services with Scarborough is saving Cape Elizabeth taxpayer dollars and is a good example of our efforts. In FY 2011 and in FY 2015 we were able to manage the municipal budget without any tax increase, so yes I do think our municipal budget is fair, though we must always work for better efficiencies.
Ralph “Alex” Miller
Age: 50
Occupation: Business/marketing and sales
Political Experience: None
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I would like to give back to this great community through public service. My family and I have lived here for 15 years and I am motivated to play a larger role in shaping Cape Elizabeth’s bright future, just as my predecessors did before me. The quality of life we enjoy in Cape Elizabeth is the result of thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions based upon input from multiple facets of the community. As a political newcomer, I look forward to listening, learning and bringing new ideas to the table.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: The Spurwink Rod & Gun Club has played a role in the community for many years and it deserves to retain that role. I am not a gun owner; however I support the idea of using weapons in a controlled environment. It is the responsibility of the gun club to operate a safe facility for the benefit of the entire town, not just Cross Hill. Given the gun club’s decision to seek support from the National Rifle Association, and given that an NRA-qualified inspector’s assessment is that the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club safety practices are not adequate, the gun club should be required to upgrade the safety of its range, or modify its usage of its property in a way that guarantees 100-percent shot containment.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: The Town Council will face multiple “urgent” issues next year that rise up from within the community. The current debate over an operational permit for the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club is a good example of such an issue. To ensure that Cape Elizabeth makes progress against important long-term goals, the council should prioritize: Increasing outreach to and participation from the broader public, as illustrated by the recently successful Citizens Roundtable workshop. Searching for creative solutions that allow for an integrated approach to developing an appealing town center. Updating Cape Elizabeth’s Comprehensive Plan, last performed in 2008.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow creation of a village green?
A: In 2013 the Town Council created a committee to review the Town Center and to make recommendations about future development there. I support the vision developed by that committee, which reads: “to create an identifiable, vibrant town center that includes mixed retail uses for residents and visitors, a safe and inviting pedestrian and bicycle environment, a common meeting place, visual vitality, and linkages to the town’s open space and nearby residential neighborhoods.”
The real challenge comes in realizing that vision, particularly in light of multiple parcels of privately held land in the Town Center. I would like to pursue the creation of an integrated plan for the Town Center, rather than see it develop in a fractured way, one land parcel at a time.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: In a word, yes. The town budget reflects services provided to the town’s citizens, including public safety, public works, parks and recreation, the library and the town administrative staff. These services enhance the quality of life here and support the fabric of our community. Cape Elizabeth’s desirability, expressed by property values, is evidence of this. Cape Elizabeth’s 2013 mil rate of $15.79 is slightly above the Maine state average, yet we enjoy spectacular parks such as Fort Williams, beautiful trails, open space, fine roads, responsive police and fire, etc. Citizens are getting “good value” for the money. Budget decisions are reviewed annually by officials that the public can elect or remove from office. I am open to input from anyone in the community that feels we should make changes to the budget.
Roger Bishop
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired vice president of global operations for Fairchild Semiconductor; Owner of Bishop Human Resources Consulting in Cape Elizabeth.
Political Experience: Maine House of Representatives independent candidate for District 123 representing Cape Elizabeth and South Portland, 2012; member of the Cape Elizabeth Personnel Appeals Board.
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I am running for Town Council because I believe that citizens of this community should actively participate in the town governance. I believe I have the leadership experience and skill sets that will contribute to the mission of the council in fulfilling its responsibility to the town.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill Neighborhood dispute?
A: This issue has been dealt with by the Town Council and I support the approach they have taken. I believe that as long as the shot containment protocol is in place and validated then the club should be allowed to operate. I believe that going forward the council has the responsibility to protect individual freedoms while assuring safety and security for the community.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: 1) Maintaining a high level of educational opportunities for all members of the community, regardless of age, within reasonable budget limits. This will require a continuing evaluation of the school and community services budget to make sure we maintain our level of excellence in education in line with size and demographics of the population being served.
2) Protecting the community character while allowing for services to expand that will assure our citizens have up-to-date systems and processes in the future. One of the items to be addressed is the appropriate number and placement of microwave phone towers.
3) Finalize a long-term vision and plan for the community infrastructure.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow creation of a village green?
A: I would only support development if it is consistent with the citizen’s vision of how our community should look and that safeguards our historical heritage. I fully support zoning changes in the Town Center to allow for the creation of a Village Green.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: Yes. The town budget represents a tax rate increase of approximately 1 percent, far below the inflation rate. Capital infrastructure spending was increased to play catch up with road and building maintenance, which was not addressed during the recent recession. Our present insurance and retirement obligations to town employees represent another 8 percent of the budget.
Sara Lennon
Age: 56
Occupation: Graphic designer
Political Experience: Cape Elizabeth Town Council, 2006-2012.
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I wish to preserve what we love about our special town, sustain the services residents enjoy, and improve upon cost-saving efficiencies wherever possible. I hope
to strengthen citizen opinion and involvement in our local government, from open-style meetings to questionnaires, surveys, and informal personal conversation. I believe that our boards and committees should be given more independence to truly represent their fellow citizens. And I will encourage interested people to contribute their valuable time and talents, enjoy the work and feel appreciated for their involvement. I am motivated to represent all of my constituents with respect, fairness and warmth.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club-Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: After the certified safety inspector issued his report citing alarming safety risks, the resolution process moved away from political to a public safety issue. After our
Chief of Police padlocked the gate, it is no longer appropriately resolved by the Town Council, but is a matter to be determined by those with legal and firearm expertise. I hope that the town staff in those roles will not reopen the club until the NRA-approved inspector returns to the range and determines that all of his conditions have been met, and that in his expert opinion the range has achieved 100-percent shot containment.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: Partner with the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust to strengthen our working farms. Our 250th celebration reminds us that Cape Elizabeth was founded by farming families. Now is a wonderful time to honor and help them to thrive. Maintain our exemplary schools by supporting the professionals who teach our youngest citizens the skills and character they will need to forge purposeful,
connected lives. Create community by offering the places, activities and casual exchanges that knit people of all ages and interests together. I think we all value our close community, the way we run into one another all over town and pause to chat.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center? Do you support zoning changes in the Town Center that would allow creation of a village green?
A: I support a town center that is right-sized for our small town. I want it to be both vibrant and green. Cape boasts a beautiful center with schools, municipal buildings, shops and restaurants and incredible natural habitats. I hope we can hold onto all of that as we collectively explore ways to grow. I do not support the zoning change to allow the creation of a village green because I do not think changing laws for a single piece of property and accepting a gift from a developer in exchange for altering regulations is wise or fair.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: I can’t answer this because I was not involved in the town’s finances this year. I will say that if elected I will work very hard to make the budget process collaborative, transparent, based on the majority opinion, and predictable. I am a strong advocate of everyone understanding and having a voice in how our hard-earned dollars are allocated.
Victoria Volent
Age: 50
Occupation: Former registered financial associate specializing in retirement planning at A.G. Edwards & Sons
Political Experience: Two terms on the Cape Elizabeth Planning Board, two years as chairwoman; one term on the Community Services Advisory Commission.
Q: What is motivating you to run?
A: I have been a Cape Elizabeth resident for 25 years. I have a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service and extensive community and school experience. From my service on the Planning Board I am familiar with current issues, comfortable working with our ordinances, and an active listener. I reviewed and supported the site plans for the Shore Road Pathway; library; The Well; C-Salt Gourmet Market; and the Fort Williams Master Plan. I have a deep appreciation for the breadth of work the council undertakes and I think I have something to contribute.
Q: How would you solve the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club – Cross Hill neighborhood dispute?
A: The Town Council adopted a shooting range ordinance last year and because of that ordinance the town has been able to acquire the first public range report. I think we need to continue to work with the ordinance because it has already provided an independent safety evaluation, requires 100-percent shot containment, addresses minimum design and security standards, and establishes operational requirements.
Q: What should be the council’s top three priorities in the coming year?
A: The top three priorities for the Town Council should be reviewing open space opportunities that promote visual appeal, community involvement, and social activities; balancing a fully funded budget with our exceptional school system while keeping taxes reasonable for all; and reviewing the report of the Senior Citizen’s Advisory Committee to develop an action plan on its recommendations.
Q: Do you support development in the Town Center?
A: I support a welcoming and visually appealing town center that preserves our small town character and access to green space as we move into the future. We have a beautiful town, we should have a beautiful town center that is inviting with a modest amount of small-scale mixed use establishments that promote opportunities for community members to come together, which is visually appealing, that provides public access to a village green for outdoor public events, and offers safe pedestrian circulation.
Q: Do you think the $9.8 million town budget is fair?
A: The Town Council and the school board conducted an exhaustive review process and I believe the public should continue to be involved in the annual budget consideration. When preparing a budget, I will try to balance the needs of a robust excellent school system that values high-quality and comprehensive programs while being mindful of available resources and responsible to all taxpayers.
Imogene Altznauer
Jamie Garvin
Jessica Sullivan
Ralph Miller
Victoria Volent
Roger Bishop
Sara Lennon
Send questions/comments to the editors.
