Election letters

To the editor,

I am writing to express my support for Eleni Richardson, the at-large candidate for the South Portland School Board. Eleni and I first met in June of 2020, during one of the most challenging times in recent history — the height of the pandemic.

My family and I had recently relocated to South Portland from Bangor, and I felt the weight of navigating a new community during such uncertain times. But then, I met Eleni. Our children attended the same preschool and formed an inseparable bond.

Eleni immediately reached out to introduce herself and welcomed us to the community. Eleni fosters inclusivity. Her innate ability to engage all community members in meaningful dialogue and decision-making processes is admirable and essential for the success of our schools and kids. A vote for Eleni is for fresh perspectives, dedication, and a genuine commitment to our children’s future.

Jill Vaughn

South Portland

To the editor,

I am writing to support Brendan Williams for South Portland City Council. His life experience as a local wage-earner, renter, and son of a state legislator who taught him the value of civic service make him uniquely suited to represent the needs of his constituents. He brings a younger perspective to city government, and as a hearing-impaired person, he is also an advocate for disability rights, serving on the city’s Human Rights and Civil Service commissions.

Brendan recognizes the need to create affordable worker housing while preserving the city’s unique identity and character. He believes in balancing growth and preservation and will involve the community in decision-making processes.

In these challenging times, we need leaders who can navigate the complexities of city governance while safeguarding our city from oversized development.

Please vote for Brendan Williams, a candidate responsive to residents’ needs and committed to preserving our city’s sense of community.

Patrick Crowley

South Portland

To the editor,

I am writing in support of Eleni Richardson, at-large candidate for the South Portland School Board. I have known Eleni since 2008 when we met in Boston while she was completing her law degree. Eleni also taught yoga at my local yoga studio for multiple years.

South Portland schools are the heart of the city and their operation requires a holistic approach. Eleni has met with teachers to hear about their experience in their vital roles. Caregivers and school staff are asking for clearer communication from the superintendent.

Eleni just spoke at the most recent school board meeting of her concerns around the need for improved communication, more creative approaches to community engagement when researching new school policies, and increasing school safety protocols. Eleni values expanding public pre-K and addressing the needs of residents who would benefit from additional resources to ensure the best outcomes for all.

Danielle Toolan

South Portland

To the editor,

I am endorsing Rachael Coleman for the District 2 seat on the South Portland City Council. Rachael is a remarkable human being who cares deeply about her community and who ticks all the boxes for becoming a valuable, thoughtful, and authentic councilor. She does her homework and loves to research and learn everything she can about an issue; she will never show up a council meeting without knowing everything there is to know about the issues and concerns on the agenda.

She will be responsive to the needs and questions of the South Portland community members; she will read her emails. Her background as a nurse allows her to be compassionate yet firm; empathetic yet secure in her decision making. She is definitely the best choice for SoPo’s council .

I am endorsing Brendan Williams for the District 1 seat on the South Portland City Council. Brendan’s character, work ethic, humanistic approach to people and experience growing up as a person with a hearing disability in the midst of a politically active family (his mother is a state legislator representing Bar Harbor) makes him an exceptional candidate for this important position. His enthusiasm for making the world a better place and intense belief in human rights are qualities sorely needed on the council and his commitment to understanding and balancing all sides of the issues is remarkable.

I can attest to the fact that he is articulate, sincere, and expresses his thoughts and opinions succinctly. He has an outstanding grasp of the major issues facing South Portland and has many constructive ways to work on those issues.

Brendan believes in democracy; he is young; he is in-touch with his community; he is genuine. I firmly believe South Portland needs Brendan Williams on the city council. It’s time for a change.

Barbara Dee

South Portland

To the editor,

I am writing to support Eleni Richardson, at-large candidate for South Portland School Board. I met Eleni 10 years ago, instantly struck by her engaging combination of humor, warmth, and sharp insight. When she moved across the street in 2015, I witnessed her ability to build neighborhood community.

Like many, Eleni raised her children through a pandemic and integrated them into a changed school landscape. She knows now is the time, more important than ever, to really hear from teachers and parents. Which is why she spent hours and hours talking with parents and teachers to understand district needs.

South Portland is currently reconfiguring elementary school boundaries – imagine you are a parent or teacher in those schools and your input has not been sought? Moving forward, Eleni will ensure community engagement (especially of those most impacted), communication, and transparency. She’ll be an extraordinary school board member.

Cathy Kidman

South Portland

To the editor,

I am writing in support of Rosemarie De Angelis for South Portland School Board, District 3. I have sat across the table from her, negotiating contracts (on opposing sides), and in allegiance with her when she was the mayor of South Portland and I was chair of the board of education.

Rosemarie is fair, relentless, and a fierce advocate for students , adults and seniors. I believe she deserves a full term as a member of the South Portland Board of Education, especially in light of decisions that need to be made around the end of COVID funding, school security, and redistricting.

I doubt she and I will agree on the solutions; however, I know that she will do the hard work to see it through because she is dedicated to the city of South Portland, and its students and citizens. Rosemarie is tireless in her advocacy of the success of the South Portland School Department. I trust she can handle the adversity that is before our schools.

I suggest voters due their duty to reach out and get to know her . I think you’ll like what you find. Be prepared not to hear just what you want to hear. You will hear it like it is, and you will hear a voice who clearly supports the best interests of our students and our future.

Ralph C. Baxter Jr.

South Portland

To the editor,

I’m writing in support of Brendan Williams for the South Portland City Council. From reading up on his history and values and having the opportunity to talk with him in person, I think he would bring a fresh voice to local government and the ability to focus on the needs of all residents.

Brendan is a renter in South Portland, and has been an essential worker at a nearby restaurant so understands the need for affordable housing and fair wages for working people so they can live and work in the same area. He is committed to expanding housing opportunities without compromising the character and convenience we enjoy in our city.

Jess Skinner

South Portland

To the editor,

Rosemarie DeAngelis has our wholehearted support for re-election to the South Portland Board of Education. Rosemarie, a lifelong educator, has been a strong advocate for so many in her life. Her experience as a guardian ad litem and mediator has given her a depth of understanding of issues that is critical to forging collaboration among stakeholders.

In addition, Rosemarie’s tenure on the South Portland City Council and as mayor have given her a unique and valuable perspective that few possess. We are impressed with Rosemarie’s selfless dedication to the refuge/asylum population and to the many volunteer positions she has held in the community. We believe the foregoing make Rosemarie DeAngelis a clear choice on Nov. 7.

David and Elizabeth Sawyer

South Portland

To the editor,

As a resident of South Portland, Maine, I am fully supporting Rosemarie De Angelis for the school board District 3 open position. I feel Rosemarie is most definitely the best qualified candidate for this position. Her experience includes over 40 years as an educator. Of which, 28 of those years were teaching in South Portland. Rosemarie has also taught at the Southern Maine Community College for 17 years. She has served as a strong advocate for the teachers union in South Portland.

In the capacity of an advocate, she has served as a chief negotiator, grievance chair, and president of the union. Rosemarie believes strongly in public education, and that all children deserve a quality education. Currently, Rosemarie is serving on the school board for District 3.

Rosemarie’s other civic duties include: six years on South Portland City Council, and Mayor in 2011; chair the Bike/Pedestrian Committee/strong role in bike/pedestrian safety and access; past member of Civil Service Commission, PROP Board of Directors; significant role in the refugee/asylum population; active with housing, employment, education and court assistance; vocal advocate for affordable housing; founded “Color of Community” (local group of college age folks who teach about bias, prejudice and stereotype at faith groups, schools and community settings; founded “Sacred Stories” where those from around the globe were able to publicly tell their stories; board of directors of Community Garden Collective; past member of Civil Service Commission, PROP Board of Directors.

I hope that when you vote next month for the South Portland School Board District three candidates, it will be for Rosemarie De Angelis. Her experienced career in education and her involvement in the community make her the best candidate.

Arthur C. Bowman

South Portland

To the editor,

I write this letter in support of Eleni Richardson, at-large candidate for South Portland School Board. I have known Eleni for 14 years, and there is no better person I can think of to serve as an advocate for our children, teachers, schools, and community.

Eleni, a parent of two young children, is a dedicated supporter of our schools. This is apparent in her regular communications with teachers, parents/caregivers, and the administration, and her regular attendance at school events and district-wide meetings. I have been impressed with her thoughtful approach to the plethora of complicated issues that we as caregivers and members of the broader community face, in particular, the need for transparency so everyone can be aware of and participate in important decisions impacting the schools and our children.

I strongly urge you to consider voting for Eleni, a vote which will support the entire SoPo community.

Abigail Varga

South Portland

To the editor,

South Portland would be lucky to have Jeff McDonald on the city council. Jeff has devoted his life to helping others. He has served in the armed forces and made a career out of assisting FEMA with disaster response so he had to leave his family with hours notice to go help other families recover from hurricanes and floods. He serves on the South Portland Planning Board and Comprehensive Plan Committee, helping our community plan for the future. He doesn’t just own a small business in South Portland, he volunteers with the Chamber supporting other small businesses. He volunteers with the high school swim team and organized them delivering sand buckets to seniors for the winter. When a neighbor had their Pride Flag torn down, he went and put one up on our house. He understands that actions show your values more powerfully than words. Did I mention that I am proud to be Jeff’s wife?

Jeff wants South Portland to be a place our daughter and her friends can return to after they leave for college or start careers. That means housing that is affordable, good paying jobs, a plan to prepare for rising sea levels, and fiscal responsibility so we can invest in our infrastructure without having taxes go through the roof. Jeff has good ideas on how South Portland can remain this special place we all love while preparing for the future, but if you want to know why you should vote for him, look to his actions.

Muriel McDonald

South Portland

To the editor,

Linda Cohen and Jeff McDonald have the experience and integrity we need on the South Portland City Council. Linda has demonstrated through years of working in city government as well as on the city council, a thoughtfulness and respect for people and process that is all too rare. I have come to know Jeff more recently as a straight shooter who while serving on the Planning Board and Comprehensive Plan Committee has jumped into the community engagement process with zeal to gain as much input and perspective as possible from the people of South Portland.

I don’t agree with them on everything, but I know they look beyond first impressions. They value facts when navigating nuance and the potential for unintended consequences. Jeff doesn’t pander for votes, he’s not going to compromise his position on the Planning Board by making speculative statements about hot topics like Yard South. Personally, I’m not a fan of some of the things I’ve heard about Yard South, but right now all we have is speculation. Until the city receives a proposal and public comment is heard, Linda and Jeff are right that a responsible public servant should reserve their judgment.

Everyone knows that access to housing is one of the biggest challenges we face. When it comes to implementing practical solutions, experience matters. Linda and Jeff can do more than talk, they can navigate the levers of local government to actually take action that is thoughtful and effective.

Judith Borelli

South Portland

To the editor,

With Nov. 7 fast approaching, I know some readers will have already cast ballots here in South Portland. I love the option to vote early. I feel strongly about voting every year and would not want to miss my chance to weigh in on what matters, especially right here at home.

This year, I was sure to vote for Brendan Williams for city council. Brendan, whom I had the chance to meet recently, impressed me with his deep concern for affordable housing, accessibility, and mental health support in our community. As a family nurse practitioner, those are issues that directly affect people I have cared for and worked with in my career as well as people I know and care for now.

South Portland has the chance this year to elect someone new to the city council, a voice I want to hear more from. I hope others will take the opportunity to get to know Brendan and give him your vote.

Ann Lovegren

South Portland

To the editor,

Over seven years, I’ve served on the seven-member South Portland Board of Education with 26 different adults and students. All have contributed strengths, none more than two up for re-election, at-large members Jenn Ryan and Claire Holman.

While holding full-time jobs, raising children, and volunteering for community organizations, both have dedicated themselves to the school board’s work. Both are advocates for equitable district-wide opportunities for student learning.

Claire Holman has used her experience as a multilingual educator for leadership that includes helping South Portland schools win funding for adult English-language acquisition. She has helped the school board negotiate with South Portland teachers, to make salaries and benefits fair. She is an advocate for guidance to help high school students understand how post-graduation education choices correlate with debt, so they can make informed decisions. She serves on the school board’s Policy Committee.

Jenn Ryan is currently chair of the school board, which demands hours of listening, fact gathering, and strategic thinking in collaboration with school leaders and community stakeholders who bring diverse opinions and experiences. She has served on the board’s Finance Committee and Middle School Committee. She led the board’s negotiations to improve its agreement with service employees, gaining trust during a challenging process. She is a key member of the committee now considering how our elementary schools can best be set up to serve all pre-K through fourth graders.

Let’s re-elect these leaders dedicated to the futures of all of the students of our community.

Elyse C. Tipton, District 5 member

South Portland Board of Education

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