CAPE ELIZABETH – Cape Elizabeth’s two open town council seats have four candidates, Stephanie Anderson, Matthew Grymek, Andrew Swayze and Timothy Thompson. First-term councilors Nicole Boucher and Gretchen Noonan are running for re-election.

Anderson, a former Cumberland County district attorney, is running for one of the town council seats. She has elected political experience with seven terms as Cumberland County District Attorney (four-year terms), 22 terms as president of the Maine Prosecutors Association (1-year terms), and 25 years as a member of the board of directors of the National District Attorney Association.

Anderson said that the challenge facing the Cape Elizabeth town council is “balancing a demand increased spending and the needs of a community where significant number of households are already cost burdened, meaning, their housing costs are more that 30 percent of household income.” Anderson said that one of the most critical issues are finding a solution for the school facilities that will be accepted by most residents. She says that both issues have ad hoc committees and surveys.

“The feedback and analysis from those surveys will drive the conversation toward achieving facilities and housing objectives that are reasonable, affordable, and executable” said Anderson.

Anderson went on to say that there is a need protect and maintain Fort Williams, “as well as expanding the tax base and incentivizing a vibrant town center.” She said that there is a need to cultivate a friendlier business environment by “eliminating regulations and permitting requirements in our regulatory scheme.”

“I will listen to all points of view, ask relevant questions, look at the facts and reliable expert opinions, and work collaboratively with others to find solutions. It’s what I’ve done my entire career,” Anderson said.

Grymek is running for the Cape Elizabeth town council. Grymek, 44, is married with two school-aged children, aged 10 and 6. He’s currently work as the manager of enrollment and student life at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “This is my first time running for public office” said Grymek.

Grymek said that Cape Elizabeth is a wonderful community, and it is a desirable place to live. “But it is not immune from the broader issues of the day. Aging school buildings, the lack of affordable housing, the impacts of climate change, attracting businesses to our town, and promoting social and economic equity are all challenges that our town council must proactively address” said Grymek.

He said that he firmly believes that forward-looking strategies are needed to solve the issues. “I’ve grown increasingly concerned about the prevailing “wait-and-see” approach advocated by many in our town. For families like mine who plan to call Cape Elizabeth home for the long term, a strategy of avoidance and procrastination is one we can’t afford,” Grymek said. He said he is a dedicated community member. Grymek said he is running for a town council seat to make sure Cape Elizabeth continues to flourish.

Swayze, 46, married with two children is seeking election to the town council. Swayze works at MIT and this is his first time running for an elected office. Swayze said that Cape Elizabeth is facing several challenges. He said the challenges are the need for new school buildings, zoning laws that affect small businesses negatively and lack of affordable housing.
“We’ve been treating these issues separately when, in actuality, they’re interconnected. The schools need to be replaced, but residents justifiably worry about the tax burden. A diversified tax base would reduce this burden, so I would support revisions to our zoning laws to encourage small businesses to come to Cape and feel supported enough to stay,” said Swayze.

Swayze said that a more densely developed and pedestrian-friendly town center, offering inclusive and affordable housing options, can not only attract visitors and tourists, but also stimulate their economic contributions. He said that Cape possesses significant untapped potential, and is confident that “we can unlock it while preserving the town’s innate beauty and values.”

Thompson is seeking election for the town council. Thompson is married with five children and six grandchildren. He is a small business owner located in the center of Cape Elizabeth.

Thompson has served on many town committees. For five years, he was on the school building, comprehensive plan as a member and chair. He is currently a member and vice chair of the housing and diversity committee. He said the town has been run very well for many years. “It has been carefully planned and currently enjoys many features that are unique in and around the greater Portland area and beyond,” said Thompson.

He said that the school system is recognized as a top school district in the state, the farms are being preserved and protected, and the “land trust has successfully set aside large areas for preservation.” Thompson noted that Cape Elizabeth’s parks are admired and cherished by thousands annually.

Thompson said that there are challenges that need to be addressed. “The schools need to be renovated to bring them up to standards our families deserve,” Thompson said. He said he is confident that the committee to address these issues will come up with a plan that will be approved by the citizens. “My guess is renovation and some new will be the route they will take and schedule this over a period of time to make it affordable,” said Thompson.

He said the other challenge to solve is that “we have a planning process and set of ordinances that make it difficult for new and existing businesses to become successful and thrive.” He said there is a need for a streamlined approach to help and support prospective businesses. “Today I am told it is a daunting and frustrating process that discourages them from doing business in Cape Elizabeth. Let’s consider adding a position of director of business development,” said Thompson.

Thompson said affordable housing is another challenge seniors and young families in Cape Elizabeth are facing. He said he is a member of the committee working on this issue and he has found it is difficult to find an land to develop. “The property owned by the town referred to as Gull Crest appears to be a good possibility and deserves to be studies for it could have the most significant impact on the problem,” Thompson said.

Voting at the polls on Election Day will be held at the Cape Elizabeth High School gymnasium. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

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