Four residents run for two three-year council seats
David W. Dedian
Age: 39
Occupation and work experience: For the past 13 years, I have worked for Woodard & Curran in various capacities. I am currently a vice president/project manager. I have been involved with the operation, maintenance and management of water and wastewater treatment facilities and superfund site clean-ups for over 20 years. This work experience has enabled me to observe and interact with municipal employees and town officials throughout the Northeast, as well as industrial clients (corporate environmental managers and attorneys).
Education and training: Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. Several courses on asset management and leadership skills.
Political, volunteer, or community experience: I participate as volunteer coach for Scarborough youth baseball and soccer. I also volunteer at the MS Walk and with Rebuild Together, an organization that helps with home improvement projects for seniors, disadvantaged families and individuals that cannot maintain their homes without help. My family and I are also parishioners at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
The three biggest issues facing Scarborough are no different than in most communities and center around the interrelated areas of 1) taxes, 2) growth of the community and 3) the level of services provide to the citizens.
Taxes is, and will always be, an issue that community leaders need to face and their decision making will have both short-term and long-term impacts on the ability and desirability to live and/or do business in Scarborough.
Some specific issues facing the town that fall under the core issues noted above include, but are not limited to; 1) how the town provides services to seniors and what type of services are provided, 2) how to address capacity issues (and aging infrastructure) in the school system as the town continues to grow, 3) how the town deals with increased traffic and development to ensure safety and minimize environmental impacts, 4) how the Town Council and School Board interact while determining the school budgets and addressing educational needs.
Why should people vote for you?
The people of Scarborough should vote for me because I understand the issues facing the town today and know the manner in which we address these issues will impact the ability and desirability to live and/or do business in Scarborough. As a town councilor, I’ll be an unbiased voice for the town, a councilor willing to seek feedback and dedicated to working cooperatively with the citizens of Scarborough, town employees, the school board/department and other town officials.
My decision making will be based on what is best for the town as defined by the citizens of Scarborough. Not what I personally feel is best for the town or driven by any political agenda. This is why I feel the comprehensive plan will be an important document in determining Scarborough’s future. The plan addresses all the issues noted above in some capacity. The proper implementation of the plan will ensure Scarborough remains a great place to live and do business.
People should also vote for me because I’ll bring a good and new perspective to the town based on my experiences with other municipalities. As a fiscally conservative person, I’ll look to implement better asset management and budgeting procedures that will ensure more efficient and effective government spending.
If elected I’ll work hard to:
1) Keep taxes in control by ensuring smart community planning and growth to maintain a balanced ratio of residential, commercial and industrial tax bases and also by seeking methods to control and/or cap tax burden on long-time residents,
2) Strengthen and build respect for the community by listening to feedback from citizens and cooperatively working with other councilors and town officials and
3) Ensure responsible implementation of the comprehensive plan update.
I’ll work diligently toward addressing these issues in a fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible manner. I would appreciate your vote by either absentee ballot, in person at town hall or at the polls on November 7, 2006. Thank you.
Carol S. Rancourt
Age: 57
Occupation and work experience: Social worker and coordinator of the Maine Medicare Education Partnership and State Health Insurance Program for the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Education and training: Graduate of Scarborough High School, BSW from University of Southern Maine, MSED from University of Southern Maine, additional graduate work in gerontology at University of Southern California, Pennsylvania State University and Syracuse University.
Political, volunteer or community experience: Democrat; Special Education PTA; Sunday school teacher at First Congregational Church; Girl Scout leader; Former member and chair of the Scarborough Board of Education 1994-2003; Town Councilor 2003 to present.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
Growth, traffic, and quality of life.
Why should people vote for you?
I truly believe in the concept of public service to one’s community. I know and love the town of Scarborough and believe that my voice is one of reason, historical perspective and respect of the need for change. Our town is peopled by disparate sentiments – I am able to hear all views and use them in my decision making process.
Michael P. Shea
Age: 34
Occupation and work experience: President/owner of Chicago Dogs in Scarborough, business development manager for Pepsico from 1998 to 2003 and previously chief operations officer for a management group.
Education and training: Graduate of Andover High School in Andover, Mass. In 1990, A.S. in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University (1990 to 1992), B.S. in business management from Johnson & Wales University (1992 to 1994).
Political, volunteer or community experience: Reserve officer for Scarborough Police Department, involved through Chicago Dogs in many community service events.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
– Growth of population within the town (i.e. schools, seniors, services)
– Business development/attracting new business to Scarborough
– Tax increases steadily on the rise (support TABOR!)
Why should people vote for you?
I would like to bring my business experience to the town of Scarborough. Government needs to develop a balance on the local, state and federal levels. If government was accountable for their spending, we would not be in the situation we are in. Businesses are accountable for that they do and government should be too.
I am not a politician and I don’t care for politics.
I care about the bottom line.
Richard J. Sullivan, Jr.
Age: 41
Occupation and work experience: I have been a firefighter for the city of Portland for 19 years and own and have operated a landscaping business in Scarborough for 24 years.
Education and training: I am a graduate of Scarborough High School and have attended S.M.V.T.I and the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Md.
Political, volunteer or community experience: I do not have any political experience, however this would be my opportunity to gain experience. I served on the Scarborough Fire Department as a volunteer in the past.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
Growth and traffic in Scarborough go hand in hand. A little growth is good with the proper planning. Scarborough will have a sound comprehensive plan in place to deal with growth in Scarborough. Scarborough has also reduced the number of building permits in the past to control the speed of growth and it working. There are roads in Scarborough that are affected by commuter traffic. These motorists are from other towns and we will need to look into ways of better addressing those issues.
I am for improving infrastructure in the town. We should always try to use impact fees in the areas that are affected by the building of large numbers of holes or the build up of business. I am however against loop roads that would run near or around the area of a residential neighborhood.
I am very interested in seniors’ concerns and needs. I supported the senior center and still do. I was disappointed that it was voted down, however the voters spoke. There still may be ways of getting a senior center off the ground. There are many smaller communities around Scarborough that have senior centers. I would hope the reason for people voting down the project was the promises of a new Y with senior services there.
I am a supporter of TABOR. I have read TABOR and understand it. State and local government has a huge spending problem. We carry the number one tax burden in the nation, we have the highest excise tax in the nation. We are sixth highest in the nation for gasoline taxes. When will it end. Maine workers rank towards the bottom when it comes to family income. Seniors and young families will be the ones most affected if we do not stop the endless spending. We will need new business to come to Maine if we want our children to stay. With the current unfriendly business atmosphere, how will we ever move forward? Scarborough has a great once in a lifetime opportunity to move forward with the new Cabela's project on the Haigis Parkway just off the Maine Turnpike. This would bring great jobs with great benefits to area workers. It would bring with it property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes and business taxes, on not only Cabela's but a hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants and a bank. But the State of Maine is holding up a decision on a clear issue of sales tax on catalog sales. The Maine Revenue Service has already ruled on this question. Dick's Sporting Goods does not pay sales tax on their internet or catalog sales. Why would Cabela's? This might not sound like local issues, but they are. Decision that the state government makes greatly affect municipalities.
. Scarborough has two school bond issues on the ballot – one for an addition to the middle school and building a new Wentworth School totaling 55 million dollars, all funded by the Scarborough taxpayers. This will greatly increase the tax burden on all the Scarborough residents. Reasons for building a new Wentworth School – it's not over-crowded and the school has not outlived its usefulness. The middle school may need to expand, however, why does the Scarborough taxpayer have to go it alone again, without state funding? We already spent millions of dollars on the high school, all done by the Scarborough taxpayer.
Taxpayers also have to realize that bond issues are not free money – they come directly from your state and local taxes.
Why should people vote for you?
I believe I would bring a fresh new outlook to the Scarborough Town Council with my experience as a business owner in the town and my experience as a municipal employee and a lifelong Scarborough resident. I care very much about Scarborough and will always do what's right for Scarborough. I am for strong fire, police and public works departments. As a councilor, I would like to stabilize taxes and try to attract new business to Scarborough.
Age: 39
Occupation and work experience: For the past 13 years, I have worked for Woodard & Curran in various capacities. I am currently a vice president/project manager. I have been involved with the operation, maintenance and management of water and wastewater treatment facilities and superfund site clean-ups for over 20 years. This work experience has enabled me to observe and interact with municipal employees and town officials throughout the Northeast, as well as industrial clients (corporate environmental managers and attorneys).
Education and training: Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. Several courses on asset management and leadership skills.
Political, volunteer, or community experience: I participate as volunteer coach for Scarborough youth baseball and soccer. I also volunteer at the MS Walk and with Rebuild Together, an organization that helps with home improvement projects for seniors, disadvantaged families and individuals that cannot maintain their homes without help. My family and I are also parishioners at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
The three biggest issues facing Scarborough are no different than in most communities and center around the interrelated areas of 1) taxes, 2) growth of the community and 3) the level of services provide to the citizens.
Taxes is, and will always be, an issue that community leaders need to face and their decision making will have both short-term and long-term impacts on the ability and desirability to live and/or do business in Scarborough.
Some specific issues facing the town that fall under the core issues noted above include, but are not limited to; 1) how the town provides services to seniors and what type of services are provided, 2) how to address capacity issues (and aging infrastructure) in the school system as the town continues to grow, 3) how the town deals with increased traffic and development to ensure safety and minimize environmental impacts, 4) how the Town Council and School Board interact while determining the school budgets and addressing educational needs.
Why should people vote for you?
The people of Scarborough should vote for me because I understand the issues facing the town today and know the manner in which we address these issues will impact the ability and desirability to live and/or do business in Scarborough. As a town councilor, I’ll be an unbiased voice for the town, a councilor willing to seek feedback and dedicated to working cooperatively with the citizens of Scarborough, town employees, the school board/department and other town officials.
My decision making will be based on what is best for the town as defined by the citizens of Scarborough. Not what I personally feel is best for the town or driven by any political agenda. This is why I feel the comprehensive plan will be an important document in determining Scarborough’s future. The plan addresses all the issues noted above in some capacity. The proper implementation of the plan will ensure Scarborough remains a great place to live and do business.
People should also vote for me because I’ll bring a good and new perspective to the town based on my experiences with other municipalities. As a fiscally conservative person, I’ll look to implement better asset management and budgeting procedures that will ensure more efficient and effective government spending.
If elected I’ll work hard to:
1) Keep taxes in control by ensuring smart community planning and growth to maintain a balanced ratio of residential, commercial and industrial tax bases and also by seeking methods to control and/or cap tax burden on long-time residents,
2) Strengthen and build respect for the community by listening to feedback from citizens and cooperatively working with other councilors and town officials and
3) Ensure responsible implementation of the comprehensive plan update.
I’ll work diligently toward addressing these issues in a fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible manner. I would appreciate your vote by either absentee ballot, in person at town hall or at the polls on November 7, 2006. Thank you.
Carol S. Rancourt
Age: 57
Occupation and work experience: Social worker and coordinator of the Maine Medicare Education Partnership and State Health Insurance Program for the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Education and training: Graduate of Scarborough High School, BSW from University of Southern Maine, MSED from University of Southern Maine, additional graduate work in gerontology at University of Southern California, Pennsylvania State University and Syracuse University.
Political, volunteer or community experience: Democrat; Special Education PTA; Sunday school teacher at First Congregational Church; Girl Scout leader; Former member and chair of the Scarborough Board of Education 1994-2003; Town Councilor 2003 to present.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
Growth, traffic, and quality of life.
Why should people vote for you?
I truly believe in the concept of public service to one’s community. I know and love the town of Scarborough and believe that my voice is one of reason, historical perspective and respect of the need for change. Our town is peopled by disparate sentiments – I am able to hear all views and use them in my decision making process.
Michael P. Shea
Age: 34
Occupation and work experience: President/owner of Chicago Dogs in Scarborough, business development manager for Pepsico from 1998 to 2003 and previously chief operations officer for a management group.
Education and training: Graduate of Andover High School in Andover, Mass. In 1990, A.S. in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University (1990 to 1992), B.S. in business management from Johnson & Wales University (1992 to 1994).
Political, volunteer or community experience: Reserve officer for Scarborough Police Department, involved through Chicago Dogs in many community service events.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
– Growth of population within the town (i.e. schools, seniors, services)
– Business development/attracting new business to Scarborough
– Tax increases steadily on the rise (support TABOR!)
Why should people vote for you?
I would like to bring my business experience to the town of Scarborough. Government needs to develop a balance on the local, state and federal levels. If government was accountable for their spending, we would not be in the situation we are in. Businesses are accountable for that they do and government should be too.
I am not a politician and I don’t care for politics.
I care about the bottom line.
Richard J. Sullivan, Jr.
Age: 41
Occupation and work experience: I have been a firefighter for the city of Portland for 19 years and own and have operated a landscaping business in Scarborough for 24 years.
Education and training: I am a graduate of Scarborough High School and have attended S.M.V.T.I and the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Md.
Political, volunteer or community experience: I do not have any political experience, however this would be my opportunity to gain experience. I served on the Scarborough Fire Department as a volunteer in the past.
What are the three biggest issues facing Scarborough?
Growth and traffic in Scarborough go hand in hand. A little growth is good with the proper planning. Scarborough will have a sound comprehensive plan in place to deal with growth in Scarborough. Scarborough has also reduced the number of building permits in the past to control the speed of growth and it working. There are roads in Scarborough that are affected by commuter traffic. These motorists are from other towns and we will need to look into ways of better addressing those issues.
I am for improving infrastructure in the town. We should always try to use impact fees in the areas that are affected by the building of large numbers of holes or the build up of business. I am however against loop roads that would run near or around the area of a residential neighborhood.
I am very interested in seniors’ concerns and needs. I supported the senior center and still do. I was disappointed that it was voted down, however the voters spoke. There still may be ways of getting a senior center off the ground. There are many smaller communities around Scarborough that have senior centers. I would hope the reason for people voting down the project was the promises of a new Y with senior services there.
I am a supporter of TABOR. I have read TABOR and understand it. State and local government has a huge spending problem. We carry the number one tax burden in the nation, we have the highest excise tax in the nation. We are sixth highest in the nation for gasoline taxes. When will it end. Maine workers rank towards the bottom when it comes to family income. Seniors and young families will be the ones most affected if we do not stop the endless spending. We will need new business to come to Maine if we want our children to stay. With the current unfriendly business atmosphere, how will we ever move forward? Scarborough has a great once in a lifetime opportunity to move forward with the new Cabela's project on the Haigis Parkway just off the Maine Turnpike. This would bring great jobs with great benefits to area workers. It would bring with it property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes and business taxes, on not only Cabela's but a hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants and a bank. But the State of Maine is holding up a decision on a clear issue of sales tax on catalog sales. The Maine Revenue Service has already ruled on this question. Dick's Sporting Goods does not pay sales tax on their internet or catalog sales. Why would Cabela's? This might not sound like local issues, but they are. Decision that the state government makes greatly affect municipalities.
. Scarborough has two school bond issues on the ballot – one for an addition to the middle school and building a new Wentworth School totaling 55 million dollars, all funded by the Scarborough taxpayers. This will greatly increase the tax burden on all the Scarborough residents. Reasons for building a new Wentworth School – it's not over-crowded and the school has not outlived its usefulness. The middle school may need to expand, however, why does the Scarborough taxpayer have to go it alone again, without state funding? We already spent millions of dollars on the high school, all done by the Scarborough taxpayer.
Taxpayers also have to realize that bond issues are not free money – they come directly from your state and local taxes.
Why should people vote for you?
I believe I would bring a fresh new outlook to the Scarborough Town Council with my experience as a business owner in the town and my experience as a municipal employee and a lifelong Scarborough resident. I care very much about Scarborough and will always do what's right for Scarborough. I am for strong fire, police and public works departments. As a councilor, I would like to stabilize taxes and try to attract new business to Scarborough.
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