WAITING FOR RETURN CALL ON CONFIRMATION

As a past principal of the Cape Elizabeth Middle School, it was my pleasure to work with Kevin Sweeney as a parent, a fellow member of the Cape Coalition, and as a school board member for eight years of his nine years on the Cape Elizabeth School Board. I came to know Kevin as a strong champion for the youth of the town, for activities that allow students to grow as whole people, for community service and for students who learn differently.

After Sept. 11, 2001, he was instrumental in encouraging the middle school students to connect with service men and women who were serving our country far from home. The opportunity had a great impact on our students, because it was something they could do that was meaningful. The letters were from emerging adolescents, who shared news about games, homework weather, and the delights of living in Maine. The return letters were full of thanks, memories of being the ages of the students and joy for notes from “home.”

I am writing a letter of support for Kevin Sweeney as a school board candidate, because I know he is passionate about offering as many opportunities as possible to all students. As a non-resident, I do not mean to imply that I know what is best for Cape Elizabeth. Rather, I speak as a former working colleague, who knows how much Kevin Sweeney cares. He is a responsible board member, and he is passionate about the youth of Cape Elizabeth. Although I may not always agree with Kevin, I never doubt his passion for making a constructive difference.

The voters of Cape Elizabeth will face many fine choices in November. Please accept my letter as one of support for Kevin Sweeney, not as one against any other candidate. A vote for Kevin Sweeney will be a positive vote for the youth of Cape Elizabeth.

Nancy Hutton

South Portland