SCARBOROUGH — Controlling property taxes and promoting government transparency are top priorities among the four candidates vying for two Town Council seats in the Nov. 8 municipal elections.

Challenging freshman incumbent Councilor William Donovan of 9 Harmons Island are Marjorie DeSanctis of 54 Beech Ridge Road, Kathleen “Katy” Foley of 3 Lucky Lane and Annalee Rosenblatt of 18 Tall Pines Road.

DeSanctis said she decided to seek a council seat after being involved in the background for years, including her current stint as chairwoman of the Scarborough Housing Alliance, a council-appointed panel that promotes affordable housing.

“I think my experience and skill set would be very helpful,” said DeSanctis, 68, who was a top administrator at Maine Medical Center before retiring.

If elected, DeSanctis said she would pursue economic growth and tax fairness, promote clean energy, protect the town’s natural resources and support strengthening the town’s schools.

“I don’t think controlled taxes and good schools are mutually exclusive,” DeSanctis said. “I think you can have both.”

Donovan, 69, said he would continue to fight for low, predictable tax rates, which saw an average increase of 2.5 percent during his time on the council. A retired commercial lawyer, Donovan co-wrote the town’s new property tax relief ordinance for low-income seniors.

“It’s a fairness issue that citizens have a reasonable expectation of how municipal government will be run,” Donovan said. “If you have a stable tax history, it engenders a confidence in the community that encourages people and businesses to move here.”

If re-elected, Donovan said he would continue to promote conservation efforts, quality schools as a cornerstone of society and a spirit of civility, cooperation and compromise in town government.

Foley got involved in town government a few years ago as co-founder of Dog Owners of Greater Scarborough, which formed after federal wildlife officials intervened when an unleashed dog killed a plover chick on Pine Point Beach in July 2013.

“Now I just want to be part of solutions. I don’t have a set agenda,” said Foley, 46, a nonprofit consultant and bartender.

If elected, Foley said she would promote open government that includes positive dialogue and welcomes all voices. She also would support strong schools with increased community engagement; fiscal responsibility that reduces taxes and debt; natural resource protection and public access; and affordable housing.

Rosenblatt comes to the council race after serving six years on the school board, including a year as chairwoman in 2007. “I think about running for the council every year,” said Rosenblatt, 72. “I feel I have community and professional experience that will enhance the current council.”

A human resources consultant who has negotiated more than 500 contracts for public sector employers, Rosenblatt said she hopes to put her problem-solving skills to work for the town. If elected, she would work to improve the way the town budget is reviewed and explained to the public.

“I want to know about every line of the budget, not just the bottom line,” Rosenblatt said.

Also on the ballot, the school board races are uncontested this year, with incumbents Cari Lyford of 1 Hunter Point Drive and Jodi Shea of 23 Windsor Pines Drive seeking re-election to two seats.

 

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