As a resident of Cape Elizabeth for over 36 years, I am writing to give my support for Jim Walsh, who is running for the open seat on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council.

I have known Jim for over 20 years as a business colleague at Shaw’s Supermarkets and Weichert-Waterglen Group and as a friend. I believe that Jim’s background in business and finance, his ability to bring people together to work toward consensus for the common good, and setting priorities will serve the council well. As the town struggles with budgets, Jim will be a great resource for rational and creative thinking within the council as they work to balance the needs of our community. Jim has a keen understanding of budget development and implementation from his years as a senior executive with some of the top retailers in the country – Shaw’s, PetSmart and Stop & Shop. This is invaluable experience that will benefit our town.

Not only is Jim a longtime resident of Cape Elizabeth, but he has served the community at large as well in leadership positions with area organizations such as the Greater Portland United Way, Portland College of Art, Diocese of Portland and St. Bartholomew’s Church, to name a few.

Jim and his wife, Kathy, have a history of service with the town, a respect and love for Cape Elizabeth, its schools and its people, that is truly genuine. I respectfully encourage voters to elect him for the Cape Elizabeth Town Council on Jan. 27.

Diane Churchill

Cape Elizabeth