Greg Altznauer, one of four candidates for two seats on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council, is new to town, but after a year feels like he is “in heaven.”

He is married with two young children who are enrolled in Cape schools. For 20 years he worked in Manhattan in software sales management. He also co-founded and ran a business in New York for many years.

Since moving to Cape when his wife was offered a job in the area, Altznauer has been working as a software consultant and cooking at Two Lights General Store “making the best omelets this side of the Mississippi.”

He was involved in a number of civic and environmental organizations in his previous home, Greenwich, Conn. He is a member of the board of directors for the Friends of Presumpscot River.

As a councilor Altznauer said he wouldn’t set his own agenda, but would be “a voice of the people.” The three most important topics for him are “taxes, taxes, taxes.”

Altznauer said the town should cap spending, but use common sense to reduce spending and thereby decrease taxes. “We have to do everything we can with the money we have,” he said.

Altznauer said Fort Williams is an “untapped resource” and could provide revenue for the town. He supports charging buses and trolleys that enter the park and maybe a per-car fee of a single dollar. Cape residents, walkers and bikers would not be charged.

In the future, if money is available or can be raised, he said the town could fix up Goddard Mansion and rent it out for weddings and conferences. He said a snack bar in the park could bring in enough money to cover the park’s maintenance costs.

He said an energy audit in town buildings and outside contractors for custodial work could also save money.

Altznauer thinks affordable housing is a good idea. He suggested a flat property tax for long-term older residents, with the amount above the flat rate accruing to be paid when the home changes hands.

He opposes chain franchises moving into town, but would encourage other businesses, which would create more tax revenue. He said the town needs a town center.

Altznauer said he would “bend over backwards to give the police what they want” and would do the same for the teachers.

Altznauer said he has “an open door” and would listen to what people want. “I’m going to try my hardest, work my tail off and do my best to listen to the people.”

But, you won’t see any political signs promoting Greg Altznauer’s name around town, he doesn’t believe in them. “I feel they mar the beauty of neighborhoods.”

Greg Altznauer, candidate for the Cape Elizabeth Town Council.