Town center development, public service and citizen involvement are key issues in the Nov. 3 race for three seats on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council.

The seven candidates in the race include one incumbent, Jessica Sullivan, who is seeking a third three-year term. Councilors Jamie Wagner and James Walsh aren’t seeking re-election.

The other candidates are Sara Lennon, a former councilor; Victoria Volent, a Planning Board member; Roger Bishop and James Garvin, both of whom have served on town boards; and political newcomers Imogene Altznauer and Ralph “Alex” Miller.

Altznauer, 56, said she would like to see more collaborative interactions between town government and citizens.

“People are feeling that their voices aren’t being heard,” Altznauer said. “I’d like to foster a more cooperative and transparent process to get town business done.”

As a special events producer, Altznauer said she has experience working with public boards and entities, and she enjoys the challenge of negotiating solutions to pressing problems. “When you’ve got to get something done and everybody is telling you it can’t happen, I love that kind of challenge,” she said. “It’s all about listening and helping to bring a resolution.”

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Bishop, 67, said he decided to run because he’s always believed that being part of a community includes seeking public office. “I have no real agenda, other than to work for my community,” said Bishop, a semi-retired business and human resources consultant.

He said he supports balanced development of the town center and the council’s efforts to bring the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club into compliance with public safety goals. He also supports developing programs that would promote a stronger community spirit or “closeness” among Cape Elizabeth residents beyond the draw of the town’s schools.

“I think we need a few more things to enhance camaraderie among our citizens, especially seniors,” Bishop said.

Garvin, 40, described himself as “personally very passionate about Cape Elizabeth and promoting citizen involvement in municipal government.” He said he’s a strong advocate for sustainability and green practices, serving as a member and past chairman of the town’s recycling committee, and as a member of the Solid Waste and Recycling Long Range Planning Committee.

A marketing strategist, Garvin said he believes the town center should be developed in a comprehensive and balanced way, rather than piecemeal, considering both commercial and residential interests while preserving the character of the town. “We need to be strategic,” he said.

Lennon, 56, said she wants to return to the council because she hopes to promote a more open, collaborative and efficient project-review process that involves residents sooner. She cares deeply about the town’s natural resources, its people and its schools, she said, and she believes seeking public input sooner will save both time and money in dealing with issues as diverse as developing the town center and addressing concerns about the gun club.

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“Why have a public hearing after working on a proposal?” asked Lennon, a freelance graphic designer. “Why not have the public hearing up front? Reach out through online surveys and social media. Nobody wants to work hard on something for weeks or months and then have everyone say no.”

Miller, 50, said he’s running because he believes public service is a great way to give back and because he has the ability to be a good listener and help make good decisions. Miller is a strong supporter of the town’s schools, he said, and he has a great interest in land use and development, especially related to the Town Center Plan.

A sales and business development director, Miller said he supports the plan, which outlines a vision for “an identifiable, vibrant town center that includes mixed retail uses for residents and visitors, a safe and inviting pedestrian and bicycle environment, a common meeting place, visual vitality, and linkages to the town’s open space and nearby residential neighborhoods.”

But rather than review one project at a time in isolation, Miller said he’d like to see the town take a more comprehensive approach to town center development.

Sullivan, 61, touts herself as a fifth-generation Cape Elizabeth resident and a fiscal conservative for whom the town budget and tax bills are top priorities.

As chairwoman of the Solid Waste and Recycling Long Range Planning Committee, Sullivan oversaw the recent development of a plan to redesign the town’s transfer station and recycling center, which is used by nearly every resident. The recommended plan is expected to make the facility safer, easier and more efficient to operate while adding only $13,799 to the town’s $575,535 annual trash disposal bill.

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“I also strive for the efficient use of tax dollars,” said Sullivan, who is a graduate student at the Muskie School of Public Service.

Victoria Volent, 50, has served two three-year terms on the Planning Board, including two years as chairwoman. A former associate with financial planning firms, Volent described herself as a 25-year Cape Elizabeth resident who is educated in public policy, familiar with town ordinances and current issues, and experienced in working with the council and other town officials.

“I have a deep appreciation for the breadth of work the council undertakes and I think I have something to contribute,” Volent said. She said she supports the development of a welcoming and visually appealing town center.

This article was updated at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, October 22, 2015 to remove incorrect information regarding Jessica Sullivan’s position on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council. 

 

 

 


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