SOUTH PORTLAND — Balancing the benefits of open space preservation with development and promoting alternative energy systems were key issues raised at a candidates’ forum Tuesday night hosted by the South Portland Land Trust.

Seven candidates are running for two at-large City Council seats in the Nov. 8 election. They are Maxine Beecher, an incumbent; Richard Carter and James Gilboy, current and past school board members, respectively; Susan Henderson; Kate Lewis; and former councilors Louis B. Maietta Jr. and Michael Pock.

Forum moderator Steve Jocher, trust president, noted at the outset that more than half of 23 properties identified as ripe for preservation in the city’s 2001 open space plan have been developed.

Beecher, who called herself an environmentalist, praised the city’s land bank as a means to acquire open space and said the council must consider what’s best for the city as a whole when weighing preservation against development.

Carter, Maietta and Pock said the city should make a fresh list of available lots and prioritize properties that should be preserved. Maietta noted that his family does “good development” that includes open space.

Gilboy said the biggest challenge to preservation is funding. He said South Portland should create a strategic plan for open space acquisition through community forums so the city would be prepared when land becomes available.

Henderson said some areas of the city have a greater need for open space than others, such as the west end.

Lewis, who is vice president of the land trust, said the city should revisit the open space plan and seek more public input on issues related to preservation and development. “It’s unrealistic to think that growth isn’t going to happen,” she said.

Asked whether they support alternative energy systems and what the city should do to promote them, the candidates were largely in favor.

Lewis said the city has made great strides, including its proposed solar farm on the capped landfill off Highland Avenue. She said the city could provide incentives to developers to encourage alternative energy systems.

Pock said he supports alternative energy systems when feasible, but few people can afford them. Henderson, meanwhile, said she is a “big supporter” of clean energy and has solar panels on her home, which she described as “extremely cost-effective.”

Gilboy also noted the high cost of going solar but said he supports efforts to improve energy efficiency. Carter said the city has positioned itself to be a leader in solar energy development. “I do believe solar is the way to go in this city,” he said.

Maietta said the city is “going in the right direction” related to alternative energy development. Beecher said she supports clean energy and clean air, including the planned solar farm, and she urged residents to insulate their homes to save energy and money.

Asked if they would require small businesses to report their energy use, a process called “benchmarking,” all but one candidate said no; Henderson said maybe.

Asked if they were affiliated with any group that would influence their decision-making as a councilor, all but one candidate said they were not; Henderson said she is affiliated with Protect South Portland but would “distance” herself from the group if elected.

 

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