Don’t neglect your vote

Endorsements

By PORTLAND PHOENIX STAFF | October 25, 2007

"Stacked up: City Council and School Committee candidates answer our questions." By Deirdre Fulton.

Tuesday, November 6, is Election Day. Statewide, voters’ biggest choice will be on whether to allow a racino (1500 slot machines near a harness-racing track) in Washington County. For our coverage of that question, the four others on the statewide ballot, and the three Cumberland County referenda, as well as Portland City Council and School Committee races.

Herewith, our endorsements in the local races. (For the referenda, you’re on your own, but there are only two choices for each, so buck up — you’ll be fine.)

Anton and Duson for City Council At-Large
In addition to his sound ideas about the Maine State Pier (as a former city Planning Board member, his perspective will be a useful reminder to the council), and affordable housing, challenger JOHN ANTON also has refreshing takes on other issues. His focus on reducing the city’s energy consumption and expanding public and alternative modes of transportation would make him a welcome new voice on the City Council, which has barely trifled with these important topics. And while incumbent JILL DUSON may not serve our cup of tea on each and every issue, she is an important supporter of renters’ rights, the local economy, and better education for Portland’s kids. Plus, her presence would maintain a semblance of gender and race diversity on the council.

Farnsworth for City Council District 3
Providing social services for Portland’s underprivileged citizens is one of the City Council’s most vital responsibilities. As executive director of Woodfords Family Services, RICHARD FARNSWORTH can help the other councilors remember that. Farnsworth, a 67-year-old former state representative who is active in several local organizations, is not the most progressive candidate, but his commitment to the city, his candor, and his wry sense of humor could help defuse some of the developing rifts among councilors.

Caron and Snyder for School Committee At-Large
Given the disaster that is the Portland school department’s current budget situation, voters should give special consideration to the candidates’ fiscal experience. JAIMEY CARON, who oversees project management at local engineering firm Neill and Gunter, has experience monitoring financial performance and ensuring that his company uses its money efficiently. As a decisive money manager with two sons in the Portland school system, Caron will add an important perspective to the committee. KATE SNYDER also has children in Portland’s public schools, and her impressive volunteering experience in and out of the classroom gives her an intimate understanding of what our schools and students really need. Snyder expects strong leadership from Portland’s next school superintendent, which will certainly be important to look for when it comes time to select the next person for that role.

Eglinton for School Committee District 3
Not much to say here. Short-time incumbent PETER EGLINTON is the only candidate running. That said, his strong fiscal background and two daughters in elementary school make him an attractive contender well worth your vote.

Topics: News Features , Elections and Voting, Politics, Local Politics, More

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