This Week's Letters
For schools, construct what is needed
Editor:
The plans for a proposed school project seem to be based neither on need nor on “nice to have” but on a designer’s vision of a deluxe version like the recent library expansion proposal.
When using tax money, I support constructing for what is needed, not luxury. I know how I’m going to vote.
Erika Asbas
Scarborough
Vote for Peggy Pendleton for House
Editor:
I am a rather new resident of Scarborough, having moved here from neighboring South Portland about 18 months ago. I am an Independent as I have always felt it was more important to base my vote on the individual candidate or issue rather than party affiliation. I am also a career public servant, having recently retired after 30 years with the Portland Fire Department. I've always kept politics at arms length – I did my part by voting, but never really wanted to get involved. Well, that recently changed.
I had the opportunity to meet a neighbor. I am enjoying my new community and am thrilled to discover a community leader that shares my values and beliefs. A leader with common sense, hometown values and with a demonstrated history of excellence in serving the community and citizens of Scarborough. A woman who has left such a positive impression with me that for the very first time in my life I am writing a letter to the editor to express an opinion in hopes that others will see themselves in my shoes.
Peggy Pendleton is a candidate for the House of Representatives, District 128, representing Scarborough. She is an experienced leader and one that deserves to be sent back to Augusta to get the job done and done right. I am voting for Peggy Pendleton and I hope you will also.
Dana Asdourian
Scarborough
Darlene Curley helps senior citizens
Editor:
I am voting for Darlene Curley for Congress on Nov. 7 because she supports senior citizens and I am one.
Curley is a registered nurse and started a visiting nurse agency to take care of senior citizens so that they can stay in their own homes as long as possible.
As a state representative on the budget committee, Darlene has provided funding to make the new Medicare prescription drug program help more Maine seniors.
We need Darlene Curley in Congress. Darlene will vote to help senior citizens.
Eloise Bettney
Scarborough
Thoughts on construction prices
Editor:
Now I know I am 67 years old and I may not be as sharp as when I was in high school or at a school of higher learning and I may suffer from the occasional brain cramp now and then. I may be suffering one right now.
I know that the School Board tells me as a citizen of Scarborough that they can build a new intermediate school and make improvements to the middle school for $55 million. They also told all the citizens and I who were present or watching on TV at that council meeting and/or that School Board meeting that they have, after countless hours of studying and trimming off all the frills, that $55 million is the best they could do and not sacrifice any necessary upgrades. I thought gee, here we sit, we just spent $25 million on the renovations for the high school and if the referendum passes that will be an other $55 million. That’s about $80 million – actually I think the number is $79,845,780. That’s not bad for improvements/upgrades to two schools (the high school, middle school) and a new intermediate school considering we have such a large population. What is it? I think it’s around 19,000 of which 4,000 are seniors (how many are on a fixed income?).
The thing I find interesting though and why I wonder if I am still suffering that brain cramp is how can New England Expedition (NNE), the company behind the proposed Scarborough Gateway project on the Haigis Parkway, can go ahead with it’s plan to build a campus-like development that will include a hotel, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings and Cabela’s and do all that for $75 million – $4 million less then what we are paying to build one school and renovate two. I know that the $75 million that NNE is spending must be only for designing and site preparation, after all, they can’t be building all that for $75 million when we are just building one school and upgrading two schools for $79 million. I know it’s those pesky brain cramps I have that make me think otherwise.
Now its just a few days until I have to decide should I vote yes and burden all those seniors who are just hanging on trying to stay in their homes or on their farms. You know, I think come Election Day I will be cramp free and vote no.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Former councilor endorses Babine
Editor:
Please consider joining me as I cast my vote for Shawn Babine for Maine House, District 127, in Scarborough.
Having served on the Town Council with Shawn, I can assure you that we didn't agree on everything. I feel compelled to write on his behalf, however, because let's face it, this is a big election and Shawn and I share values that include protecting our environment and our money. Councilor Babine moves in a consistent direction to reduce spending and he looks at issues in alternative ways, just like me. We can do better for the environment and with our tax dollars in Augusta and Shawn Babine can help us.
With Shawn, you know you're getting a fiscally conservative, socially moderate individual that cares about the environment and about the data. Partisan politics have stagnated our federal government, devastated the environmental record and have forced us to be in "TABOR Mode" in Maine.
Shawn has assured me that his support for conservation funding of the Land for Maine's Future program is non-negotiable, as it should be. Maine's natural resources, along with the recreational activities that they support, are too important to be used as bait. Critically linked to our economy, the recent Brookings report done for Grow Smart Maine lists our “sense of place” as our single greatest asset. Our natural resources are what defines our state. Locally, Shawn helped me to get two land bonds for open space passed, supported local fishermen, put the Eastern Trail as a priority, helped to reorganize Regional Waste Systems and initiated an ethical purchasing ordinance. Conservation voters concerned about our environment will have a friend in Shawn Babine at the State House.
Suzanne A. Foley-Ferguson
Scarborough
Dedian is ‘right person’ for council
Editor:
Scarborough is facing a myriad of important decisions over the next few years. It is essential that we have competent open-minded individuals on our Town Council to ensure these decisions are made in the best interests of our community as a whole. David Dedian is the right person to help make those decisions.
As a vice president and project manager for one of the state’s most successful businesses, David Dedian has exceptional management skills and a working knowledge of just how municipalities work. He has done his homework to prepare himself about the many complex issues that must be addressed by a town councilor. He will bring an unbiased point of view to the Town Council, which is vitally important as our community continues to grow.
David Dedian is also a family man and father of two school age children who is active in his church, in the schools and on the ball fields of Scarborough. It is evident to me why the Scarborough Education Association has endorsed him. He is a man who listens before speaking and understands the importance of hearing from all members of the community. For these reasons I am voting for David Dedian for Town Council and urge all citizens of Scarborough to do the same.
Bill Hartl
Scarborough
Vote for McDonough in District 127
Editor:
The state of Maine is at a crossroads Taxes are out of control, health care is costly, the business climate continues to deteriorate and state government seems unresponsive to our needs.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the voters of Scarborough’s House District 127 have a clear choice – both in style and substance.
I have known John McDonough for many years. He is a fair-minded man who has served in the Maine House of Representatives before. John has no personal agenda – just a sound, common sense attitude about the issues facing Maine today. His style of methodical and reasoned thinking would be a superb asset at the State House in Augusta.
John has strong beliefs and yet his style is truly non-confrontational. I believe he would be an effective voice for Scarborough in the Legislature and encourage District #127 voters to consider John McDonough on Election Day.
Linwood M. Higgins
Scarborough
A Republican voting for Pendleton
Editor:
I am writing to you not only as a resident of Scarborough, but as a Republican voter who is campaigning for a Democrat.
This Democrat is a friend in my life; my friend’s name is Peggy Pendleton. Peggy is not only the most honest and sincere person you will ever meet, Peggy’s integrity and priding herself on being a woman of honor makes me proud to be called her friend. Peggy has remained a steadfast figure in our Grange, in our community and in our lives as a wonderful and supportive figure.
Peggy is the kind of friend who has wisdom and knowledge and yet listens to you sincerely and with true concern. I believe Peggy’s years in the House of Representatives and as our state senator gave her even more character and wisdom. This is the reason why I believe she is the right person to represent the voters in the town of Scarborough in the House of Representatives. Not because she’s my friend, but because she is your friend too. Peggy is the person with the most experience and best qualifications to do the job needed to represent all of us in District 128.
So I ask you to vote on Nov. 7 for Peggy Pendleton for State Representative District 128 in Scarborough.
Betty Huff
Scarborough
Community ‘needs a better plan’ for school projects
Editor:
After carefully calculating how I’ll update and redecorate my “above average” home in Pine Point, I’ve come to a preliminary conclusion – recalculate and make a more reasonable, practical and affordable decision.
Among my considerations were the following: I don’t truly need to fulfill my fantasy at this time, I can continue to live comfortably in the short term and I don’t want the additional debt nor pay the interest on my fantasy for the next 20 years.
My feelings are the same related to the school bond referendum issues to be decided in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. It would be wonderful to live in a Scarborough version of Disney World and Lake Wobegon, where everything seems perfect but such ain’t the case. The whole process is flawed and misrepresented.
Consider the following:
• The “average” home cost doesn’t include waterfront property. Why not? It would have increased the “average” an additional $68,200, as determined by Town Assessor Paul Lesperance. Rest assured those who reside in waterfront property will pay the full 100 percent assessment of property tax, not the “average.”
• The proposal for reconstruction of Wentworth Intermediate School and the addition to Scarborough Middle School are in direct conflict with the town of Scarborough Comprehensive Plan, which is the guide for town growth. The School Board proposal overestimates the needs by as much as 75 percent for Wentworth and up to 38 percent in the middle school.
• The proposed dimensions for classroom size and total square footage are as much as 45 percent greater for the Wentworth project (193 vs. 125 square feet per student) and 34 percent greater (181 vs. 135 square feet per student for the middle school than recommended by the Office of School Facilities to the State Board of Education, as referenced in previous communication by Town Councilor Jeffrey Messer.
The Scarborough Board of Education, with the assistance of the town assessor and Harriman Architects, has outdone itself!
Schools and a high quality library are critical components of any successful community and Scarborough has significant structural and educational concerns to be resolved. It is equally obvious, however, that these concerns can be met at much lower cost to the taxpayers of Scarborough with no compromise to quality of education. Given the choice, I suspect many of Scarborough’s teachers would gladly sacrifice some of the “fluff” for educational materials and additional compensation.
Scarborough taxpayers, students and educators deserve a better plan. Vote no on both school proposals on Nov. 7 and rely on the incoming Board of Education to do it again, get it right and bring a better plan back to the voters.
Harold Hutchinson
Pine Point
Support Shawn Babine for House
Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Shawn Babine's campaign for the Maine House District 127. I have known Shawn for over ten years. Shawn has demonstrated his commitment to Scarborough in the leadership he has exhibited both on the Scarborough Education Committee and Scarborough Town Council.
Shawn has devoted countless hours to improving our quality of life in our community and our area. He cares deeply about our Scarborough and will work tirelessly to champion our priorities in Augusta.
Shawn has also demonstrated the courage to take an independent position even though that position might be controversial. One clear example of that was the position he took objecting to the Great American Neighborhood as it was originally designed. Shawn will be our independent voice in Augusta and will not be subject to the political gamesmanship that is a daily way of life for some elected officials.
Perhaps most importantly, Shawn has extensive financial and business experience, which will quickly assist him in facing the difficult financial issues presented in representing Scarborough in our State Legislature. Shawn's education and experience, including his service as a TD Banknorth vice president, have provided him with the skills necessary to tackle the difficult obstacles, including balancing the budget, making difficult choices and being fiscally responsible in those choices.
Shawn is committed to investing in people, innovation and Maine's small businesses to create good paying jobs. As he has demonstrated in Scarborough, he will continue to preserve and protect our national heritage and provide access to our bountiful resources both in Scarborough and throughout our great state.
Shawn will continue to represent Scarborough's interest as he has for the last six years on our Education Committee and Town Council. Therefore, for the above reasons, I strongly urge you to join me in voting for Shawn Babine on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Neil D. Jamieson, Jr.
Scarborough
Pendleton will be ‘a strong and effective voice’
Editor:
I urge support for Peggy Pendleton as a strong and effective voice in the next Maine House of Representatives. Peggy has a wealth of real world experience, extensive knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to gets things done immediately upon election. She’s also good to her word and always puts common sense over partisanship.
Peggy Pendleton has been a resident of Scarborough for 30 years. She has over 24 years of experience as a nurse and nurse educator. She has served Scarborough voters in both the Maine House and the Maine Senate. She knows education policy, health care policy and marine resources policy in real detail. Peggy is committed to quality affordable health care for all Mainers and Peggy supports a prosperity plan to create jobs and opportunities and to secure a stronger future for everyone in our state.
Peggy Pendleton will ensure fiscal responsibility in Maine and demand it from Washington. She’ll work to lower income taxes for working families and small Maine businesses. Peggy will place as her highest priority to always protect Scarborough and Maine’s heritage by preserving our farms, fisheries, open spaces and public access.
I have had the honor of working closely with Peggy in the Maine Legislature when we both served on the Marine Resources Committee. Her work ethic, deduction to her constituents and knowledge of the legislative process is first rate.
Peggy has the highest integrity and respect from her peers in both parties. She will help move Maine forward. I urge you to vote for Peggy Pendleton on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
David Lemoine
Former State Representative
Old Orchard Beach
Babine deserves your support
Editor:
Shawn Babine is a candidate for the Maine House and I encourage your support and vote this Nov. 7.
I have known Shawn for over 20 years and can attest that he not only has the motivation and drive to succeed, but also the perseverance to work as a Maine House representative. Shawn has been involved in politics and leadership roles as long as I have known him and has learned what it takes to get the job done. Shawn's commitment to increase Maine's access to affordable, quality health care, create high paying jobs, safeguard our environment, build a stronger economy and create opportunity through our educational system are values Shawn stands for and are values embedded in this community.
As a town councilor for the town of Scarborough, Shawn has demonstrated that hard work and perseverance are what it takes to get the job done. Leading Maine takes commitment, energy, passion and leadership, which is why I ask you to join me in supporting Shawn Babine on Nov. 7.
Douglas Leon
Scarborough
Messer: The math does not add up on school projects
Editor:
When people really want to know what something will cost them, they might ask "do the math." So let's do the math concerning the referendum questions before the voters for $55 million in school buildings. As a follow-up to the guest column that was published a couple of weeks ago, numerous citizens have asked that I provide a more detailed analysis of these projects.
The brochures being distributed around town really don't give folks an accurate picture of the true construction costs of these projects. The true cost of construction is calculated by adding the annual principal and interest for all bonds associated with the project then divide this number by the estimated town assessed valuation. This gives the tax rate increase just from these projects, which is then multiplied by the average residential assessment of $371,600 to obtain the true cost impact of the construction.
Doing the math for all 33 years of debt payments yields the following numbers. As the cost of the bonds kicks in over a five-year period, the peak year tax impact will be $495 (in 2012) for the average residence in addition to any other tax increases they may incur between now and then. The average annual cost between 2012 and 2016 will be $462 a year above and beyond any other tax increases. The total out of pocket cost over the term of the bonds for the average residence is estimated to be $8,189. These numbers are only based on the costs of construction and equipment and do not include any budget increase for the operating costs.
Now let's look at the impact in operating costs. The increase in operating costs will also have a direct tax impact resulting from these projects. With that in mind, I made a request on Jan. 9 to school administration to provide their estimated increase in operating budget expenses. From that time until present, there has been no disclosure in response to my request, nor has there been any public disclosure concerning the estimated increase in operating expenses relating to these projects. We do know that there will be added cost from the estimated 68 new school department employees salaries, benefits and associated additional costs.
Let's look at enrollment projections furnished by the School Department for the 2006 Comprehensive Plan update. Peak enrollment for the middle school was stated to be 850 students in 2011. The building is proposed for 950 students, but yet the brochures distributed by the school department list 1,100 students as maximum capacity (250 students above their own enrollment projections).
The same pattern continues for the intermediate school. Enrollment projections indicate peak enrollment to be 794 students in 2008. The building is proposed for 900 students. The brochures list 1,058 students as maximum capacity (264 students above their own enrollment projections). Why are the enrollment figures significantly inflated just before the voting? Are these projects realistic to the needs of the community? You be the judge.
The square footage numbers used in my guest column were taken from a report filed with the State Board of Education by the director of school facilities. I have compiled additional data from a report published by the Maine Department of Education that details the costs, square footage and enrollment of every elementary school built in Maine in the last decade. Let's look at the seven schools built in Maine since 2001 that house 400 plus students.
The total cost of these schools is $92.8 million with a projected enrollment of 3,550 students. This yields an average cost of $25,400 per student. The intermediate school question on the ballot is for $38.4 million with projected enrollment of 900 students. This yields a cost per student of $42,700 per student, 67 percent higher than the average of the seven schools built in Maine during this period. A further consideration is that 88 percent of the costs of these seven other schools were funded with state money, leaving only 12 percent to be funded by their local communities. We are being asked to fund 100 percent of a much greater cost. Are we asking our citizens for too much? What do you think?
The chairman of the Board of Education has publicly acknowledged the schools could probably be built for $5 million less. This raises two questions. Why wasn't it on the ballot for $5 million less? Could there be a better solution at a greater savings that would also reduce the ongoing operating costs?
Here is just one thought and I'm sure there may be other alternatives. I suggest removing sixth grade from the middle school, which eliminates the need for the $16.6 million addition at that facility. Build a school for Grades three to six, assuming an average 300 students per grade, which allows for reasonable growth beyond current estimates. Then apply the state formula for square footage per student. This would result in a building of 150,000 square feet, a 23 percent reduction in size from the $38.4 million building currently proposed. Not only would we be saving on the building, we would save on the increases in operating costs as well.
I hope this information has been of value to you as you go the polls to cast your ballot.
Jeffrey Messer
Scarborough Town Council
School Board chair asks public for support of school referendums
Editor:
On Tuesday, each of us has the opportunity to shape both the short and long term future of our town. On Nov. 7, we will decide on the type of people we want on our Town Council for the next three years. We will also vote on the type of school facilities we want in the future in order to meet the educational and growth needs for the next 15 to 30 years.
I grew up in Scarborough, as did my parents and all my grandparents. In fact , my family lived here in the 1800s. But this Tuesday, I’m not concerned about the past, but rather how our votes will shape our future. After six years of serving on the Scarborough School Board, with my term ending this month, I feel obligated to provide you with the reasons why I believe all of us should support the school building referendums.
There is no question that this town has changed a lot in the past 10 years let alone the past 40 years. Our town continues to grow and so has the number of students in our schools. In fact, while serving on our School Board our enrollment has increased every year with some years increasing over 100 students per year. The southern Maine economy and the attractiveness of Scarborough will continue to grow for years to come and we need to make sure that our facilities are available to support our needs in the future.
Meeting the educational needs for our students is one of the most important responsibilities a town has and one of the best investments we can make. The value of a town is directly related the quality of its schools. The town has been working on developing the best educational and economic solution to our growing school population for several years. That’s why for the past few years the School Board and various committees, including many people from our Town Council, have developed what I believe is the most effective solution to our school facility needs for the next 15 to 30 years.
Each building project proposal meets the current and future needs as our town continues to grow. The following information relates to the Wentworth replacement project and the middle school addition:
• The replacement or renovation of Wentworth has been studied for the many years. The School Board and our Town Council as well as many citizens have all been part of the building proposals. After months of studying various proposals we’ve realized that the cost to renovate continues to increase to the point that replacement is more cost effective than renovating the Wentworth building.
• Various grade configurations were studied, including a 3-6 and 7-8 configuration and the School Board, along with a citizens’ survey, determined that the current grade configuration was the most feasible Building a 3-6 school to accommodate over 1,200 students was not feasible on the existing school campus and is not the most educationally sound grade configuration.
• Our town has applied for state subsidy, but as our town has grown, so too has the value of the town to the point where state subsidy will not come in the foreseeable future.
• Both the middle school addition and Wentworth replacement are designed to meet the student growth for years to come, with classrooms designed using state standards. These schools are designed for the long-term growth so we don’t repeat the overcrowding created in the middle school when it was designed in the early 1990s at 151 square feet per student. Shortly after the school opened, the enrollment exceeded the design capacity.
• The Wentworth replacement was designed to accommodate district-wide needs and will have a gym/multiple purpose room and stage that will be utilized for community functions.
• The square footage per student for both schools is in line with other schools built in the past few years. People can find the actual square footages of other school projects such as Gorham’s middle school with a planned 185 square feet per student, Kennebunk elementary at 171 square feet and Biddeford Middle School at 185 square feet, among others, listed on the State of Maine Department of Education’s Web site.
• The designs for our buildings took into account safety issues such as ADA, fire and emergency issues, road access, a playground for the Wentworth replacement and building systems such as air handling, electrical, plumbing and energy efficiency.
• The operating cost to maintain these new facilities will be more cost effective than maintaining the existing structures over the long term. The educational staff will continue to be based on the educational needs and the growth in student enrollment.
After reviewing the data, I believe you’ll agree that the need to replace the existing portables at the middle school and expand the core space for the current and future enrollment has been clearly documented, along with the cost effectiveness of replacing the existing Wentworth building.
After considerable discussions, the cost of each proposal was finalized by the building committees and then voted on by the School Board and the Town Council so that it could be placed on the November ballot for all of us to decide how we want to shape the future of our schools and town. The town manager and his finance staff also provided the School Board and citizens with the estimated financing costs and the impact on the average home owner.
The tax information presented in the flyers was to inform our citizens of the estimated tax impact using assumptions developed by the manager and not the school department, as the financial structure of the bonds is determined by the town. The average tax cost, which has recently been disputed, was based on the recent 2005 average homeowner’s valuation. The average home value was determined by the town, not the school, but the important point is the impact per $1,000 of valuation, so each and every homeowner has a better understanding of their costs. The tax increase in the flyer shows the estimated increase in debt cost relative to today’s current debt cost, taking into account both the amortization of the existing debt, financing the middle school and Wentworth projects for 20 and 30 years respectively and with the assumption that the Town Council continues to bond about $6 million per year on capital improvement projects that do not go for voter approval.
The tax increase shown in the flyers represents the estimated increase of the debt service in the future relative to today’s current debt cost per $1,000 of valuation. What people don’t realize is that our town’s debt is not simply made up of voter approved projects, but also includes what the Town Council approves each year for capital improvements on roads/utilities and projects under the $400,000 limit. During the 2005 and 2006 fiscal years, the Town Council approved bonding $15.2 million worth of capital improvements, slightly less then the total cost of the middle school addition.
As I end my second and final term on our School Board in November, I am proud of the progress we have made over the past six years, not only with our schools but throughout the town. During the six years, I was fortunate enough to chair the board’s finance committee for four years and chair the board this year. When I joined the School Board I made a promise to myself that I would do the best I could to improve educational quality, while maintaining a cost effective school system. I believe that we have made good progress increasing the quality of education by expanding and modifying programs, adding staff where needed, expanding the high school facility along with many other items, all while being able to maintain one of the lowest costs per student ratio in Cumberland County, at just over $8,000 per student this year. Even when we add in the debt costs and the community service budget, as they maintain the grounds in town, the educational cost per student is still less than many of our surrounding communities.
As many of you know, I’m an actuary by profession and make a living by analyzing numbers, along with substituting facts for appearances. I encourage all of you to look at all the aspects of these projects such as growth, size, state standards, technology and costs and think about how you want Scarborough school facilities to be 15 to 30 years from now. After you truly substitute the facts for appearances, I’m sure you will agree with me that both school building projects are not only good for the future students in Scarborough, but they are cost effective and will be good for the town. A quality school system is one of the best ways to maintain value of Scarborough and the quality of life we enjoy.
Thank you for your support over the past six years and please vote with me to support these building projects.
Robert C. Mitchell
Chair, Scarborough School Board
Support the school referendums ‘enthusiastically’
Editor:
In light of the glut of information and rhetoric surrounding the two school referendums on Nov. 7, I feel compelled to provide a simplified viewpoint that I hope appeals to those who are confused or undecided at the current time.
First a few undisputable facts to preface my viewpoint:
1. Scarborough’s population will continue to grow. We have nearly 4,000 unbuilt house lots in town and the access to urban areas, transportation, and natural features insure that Scarborough will be attractive for many years to come.
2. Our property tax rate is low and our property values are high. Communities around Scarborough have mil rates twice that of ours, which has been stable for nearly ten years. This is a key indicator of a high level of fiscal responsibility.
3. People love to see their home value appreciate. Anyone who has traded up to a better house or taken a home equity line of credit for college bills or a vacation know how home appreciation can provide opportunities.
4. Quality of schools directly effect home values. Realtors steered people away from Scarborough in the late 1970s due to the perceived weakness of the school system. Today the strength of the schools is right up there with the beaches as a main attraction for buyers.
5. The school department, local officials, educators and many citizens have studied the school building proposals every way possible for nearly two years. The result of all of this work is the ballot question for each building project we will vote on next Tuesday.
6. Once completed, the town-wide school facilities will be adequate to serve the population for 25 or more years, if properly maintained. This is an investment in our community that will pay dividends for a generation or more.
So, with that in mind, I submit that the information gathered by the officials who have studied the projects for so long, including analysis of the existing facilities, the current opportunities and gauging the future needs is true and valid. They have analyzed the projects in excruciating detail and I value that work. There are those that will manipulate the figures to serve their purpose, but I trust the professionals, not those who may have an axe to grind.
The need for both projects is clearly justified and the specifics have been well publicized, so I will spare you the redundancy. There has been no rational argument to contradict the need, only twisting of facts and data to confuse the voters.
One particular editorial essentially said, “Our kids are already spoiled, let them go to school in portables until the state says conditions are so bad that they will build us new schools.” I, for one, want to live in a community that values the children more than that and will be more proactive when it comes to their welfare and education.
To recap, we know the schools are important to the value of our homes and our community. We know there are needs that must be addressed in the middle school and Wentworth Intermediate School eventually. We also know that it will only be more expensive and potentially harmful to the children to do it later.
Therefore, we should support the two referendums enthusiastically and I hope that you will.
Patrick O’Reilly
Scarborough
Wants outweigh needs on school projects
Editor:
As a member of the new School Board, I want to take an opportunity to express my views on the upcoming school bond issue and why I will be voting no.
The scope of both projects, but in particular the Wentworth School project, is too large and inconsistent with the needs expressed by the current School Board. I am not sure the debt and tax burden we are passing on to our children and seniors has been fully realized. For homeowners who become empty nesters in 2011 or 2012 and want to downsize their home, the increased high taxes may have an impact on your ability to sell your home quickly or at the price you need to get.
The issues concerning the Wentworth School is the building itself, not capacity, yet the size of the school is being doubled. This does not make sense. It can be done a different way.
The issue concerning the middle school is capacity. Other options were given short shrift by the School Board because it appears it was not what the administrators of the district wanted. Reconfiguring the grades was an option quickly brushed aside. Wants rather than needs dictated the scope of both projects. For example, if the size of the Wentworth School is going to be doubled when capacity is not an issue – redesign the Wentworth School to provide for more classroom space and put the sixth graders in the Wentworth School and no expansion of the middle school would be necessary. This would save the taxpayers millions of dollars. This was not given serious consideration along with other options.
It is estimated by reliable sources that in the year 2012, the annual tax bill on an average priced home in Scarborough will increase by about $500 per year to payoff just the school projects. Before you vote, multiply the cost per year of both the current high school bond issue plus the new school bond issues, over the number of years you will be paying, and it’s far more than a few cents a month but could be as much as $8,000 dollars for the average home owner over the 20 year term of the bonds. Voting this bond issue is like buying a car for nothing down and only $300 a month without calculating the full cost of the car which is $18,000 over the term of the five-year loan! These school projects represent the wants of the school administration and current School Board and not the needs of the students or the taxpayers. Let the new School Board scale back the project and deal with the needs rather than the wants. Join me in voting no.
Annalee Rosenblatt
Scarborough
Vote for Curley for Congress
Editor:
I am voting for Darlene Curley for U. S. Congress in the First District because she has worked hard to make our state a better and safer place to live.
She was instrumental in getting "Tina's Law" passed, which made Maine's roads safer for everyone. She's been a tireless supporter of educational initiatives while working hard to keep government spending down. She will represent our state in Washington with integrity and dedication. I encourage Mainers to vote for Darlene Curley this November.
Nancy Russell
Scarborough
Pendleton ‘will represent and serve all of us’
Editor:
We are writing this letter in support of Peggy Pendleton’s campaign for the Maine House in District 128. Peggy has lived in our town for 30 years and has represented Scarborough residents well during her 14-year career in the Maine House and Senate. She has the right balance of experience and common sense to be successful in Augusta. Peggy is deeply committed to our community and will always place Scarborough’s needs before partisan politics.
Peggy has made affordable health care for seniors, low-income families and children one of her top priorities throughout her career. She has successfully sponsored legislation resulting in low cost prescription drugs for seniors and health insurance for children from low-income families. Peggy’s 24 years of experience as a nurse will assist her in continuing to work for affordable health care for all of Maine’s families and small businesses.
Peggy’s experience as the Senate education chair will assist her in helping to make college accessible and affordable for all Maine students. Having raised her children and grandchildren in Scarborough, she understands the importance of a quality education that will increase everyone’s opportunity.
Most importantly, Peggy has the right values and integrity that will make a difference in Augusta. She is compassionate about representing her constituents and committed to improving the quality of life in our community and our state. She will represent and serve all of us.
For all the above reasons, we urge you to vote for Peggy Pendleton on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Jim and Nan Stovall
Scarborough
Pendleton ‘has what it takes’
Editor:
I am writing in support of Peggy Pendleton’s campaign for the Maine House seat in District 128.
I have known Peggy for over 30 years. The fact that she has resided in Scarborough for over 30 years speaks volumes for her commitment to serve us in Augusta. Peggy has the utmost integrity, sincerity and compassion regarding working for her constituents. She is very committed to improving our community and to improve the opportunity for all Maine citizens. She has always placed the interest of Scarborough’s citizens first and left the squabbling of partisan politics behind.
Peggy has the experience to make a difference in Augusta now. She knows how the process works and in her 14 years in the legislature, gained the respect of both Republicans and Democrats while serving as chair of two of the most important committees – the Education and Judiciary Committees. Peggy single handedly championed the effort to pass “Jake’s Law,” a statute that increased the criminal sentence to those who physically abuse minor children.
Peggy’s experience as a nurse was critical in drafting the legislation that resulted in protecting seniors’ rights to low-cost prescription drugs and affordable health insurance. Her medical knowledge and expertise will be a huge advantage in continuing to protect and improve the quality of health care for our most vulnerable citizens.
Peggy has what it takes to make the difficult choices while maintaining the ability to work across party lines. She will represent all of our views in Augusta and has a proven track record of success. Please join me in voting for Peggy Pendleton on Nov. 7.
Arlene Vaillancourt
Scarborough
Editor:
The plans for a proposed school project seem to be based neither on need nor on “nice to have” but on a designer’s vision of a deluxe version like the recent library expansion proposal.
When using tax money, I support constructing for what is needed, not luxury. I know how I’m going to vote.
Erika Asbas
Scarborough
Vote for Peggy Pendleton for House
Editor:
I am a rather new resident of Scarborough, having moved here from neighboring South Portland about 18 months ago. I am an Independent as I have always felt it was more important to base my vote on the individual candidate or issue rather than party affiliation. I am also a career public servant, having recently retired after 30 years with the Portland Fire Department. I've always kept politics at arms length – I did my part by voting, but never really wanted to get involved. Well, that recently changed.
I had the opportunity to meet a neighbor. I am enjoying my new community and am thrilled to discover a community leader that shares my values and beliefs. A leader with common sense, hometown values and with a demonstrated history of excellence in serving the community and citizens of Scarborough. A woman who has left such a positive impression with me that for the very first time in my life I am writing a letter to the editor to express an opinion in hopes that others will see themselves in my shoes.
Peggy Pendleton is a candidate for the House of Representatives, District 128, representing Scarborough. She is an experienced leader and one that deserves to be sent back to Augusta to get the job done and done right. I am voting for Peggy Pendleton and I hope you will also.
Dana Asdourian
Scarborough
Darlene Curley helps senior citizens
Editor:
I am voting for Darlene Curley for Congress on Nov. 7 because she supports senior citizens and I am one.
Curley is a registered nurse and started a visiting nurse agency to take care of senior citizens so that they can stay in their own homes as long as possible.
As a state representative on the budget committee, Darlene has provided funding to make the new Medicare prescription drug program help more Maine seniors.
We need Darlene Curley in Congress. Darlene will vote to help senior citizens.
Eloise Bettney
Scarborough
Thoughts on construction prices
Editor:
Now I know I am 67 years old and I may not be as sharp as when I was in high school or at a school of higher learning and I may suffer from the occasional brain cramp now and then. I may be suffering one right now.
I know that the School Board tells me as a citizen of Scarborough that they can build a new intermediate school and make improvements to the middle school for $55 million. They also told all the citizens and I who were present or watching on TV at that council meeting and/or that School Board meeting that they have, after countless hours of studying and trimming off all the frills, that $55 million is the best they could do and not sacrifice any necessary upgrades. I thought gee, here we sit, we just spent $25 million on the renovations for the high school and if the referendum passes that will be an other $55 million. That’s about $80 million – actually I think the number is $79,845,780. That’s not bad for improvements/upgrades to two schools (the high school, middle school) and a new intermediate school considering we have such a large population. What is it? I think it’s around 19,000 of which 4,000 are seniors (how many are on a fixed income?).
The thing I find interesting though and why I wonder if I am still suffering that brain cramp is how can New England Expedition (NNE), the company behind the proposed Scarborough Gateway project on the Haigis Parkway, can go ahead with it’s plan to build a campus-like development that will include a hotel, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings and Cabela’s and do all that for $75 million – $4 million less then what we are paying to build one school and renovate two. I know that the $75 million that NNE is spending must be only for designing and site preparation, after all, they can’t be building all that for $75 million when we are just building one school and upgrading two schools for $79 million. I know it’s those pesky brain cramps I have that make me think otherwise.
Now its just a few days until I have to decide should I vote yes and burden all those seniors who are just hanging on trying to stay in their homes or on their farms. You know, I think come Election Day I will be cramp free and vote no.
Bill Billings
Scarborough
Former councilor endorses Babine
Editor:
Please consider joining me as I cast my vote for Shawn Babine for Maine House, District 127, in Scarborough.
Having served on the Town Council with Shawn, I can assure you that we didn't agree on everything. I feel compelled to write on his behalf, however, because let's face it, this is a big election and Shawn and I share values that include protecting our environment and our money. Councilor Babine moves in a consistent direction to reduce spending and he looks at issues in alternative ways, just like me. We can do better for the environment and with our tax dollars in Augusta and Shawn Babine can help us.
With Shawn, you know you're getting a fiscally conservative, socially moderate individual that cares about the environment and about the data. Partisan politics have stagnated our federal government, devastated the environmental record and have forced us to be in "TABOR Mode" in Maine.
Shawn has assured me that his support for conservation funding of the Land for Maine's Future program is non-negotiable, as it should be. Maine's natural resources, along with the recreational activities that they support, are too important to be used as bait. Critically linked to our economy, the recent Brookings report done for Grow Smart Maine lists our “sense of place” as our single greatest asset. Our natural resources are what defines our state. Locally, Shawn helped me to get two land bonds for open space passed, supported local fishermen, put the Eastern Trail as a priority, helped to reorganize Regional Waste Systems and initiated an ethical purchasing ordinance. Conservation voters concerned about our environment will have a friend in Shawn Babine at the State House.
Suzanne A. Foley-Ferguson
Scarborough
Dedian is ‘right person’ for council
Editor:
Scarborough is facing a myriad of important decisions over the next few years. It is essential that we have competent open-minded individuals on our Town Council to ensure these decisions are made in the best interests of our community as a whole. David Dedian is the right person to help make those decisions.
As a vice president and project manager for one of the state’s most successful businesses, David Dedian has exceptional management skills and a working knowledge of just how municipalities work. He has done his homework to prepare himself about the many complex issues that must be addressed by a town councilor. He will bring an unbiased point of view to the Town Council, which is vitally important as our community continues to grow.
David Dedian is also a family man and father of two school age children who is active in his church, in the schools and on the ball fields of Scarborough. It is evident to me why the Scarborough Education Association has endorsed him. He is a man who listens before speaking and understands the importance of hearing from all members of the community. For these reasons I am voting for David Dedian for Town Council and urge all citizens of Scarborough to do the same.
Bill Hartl
Scarborough
Vote for McDonough in District 127
Editor:
The state of Maine is at a crossroads Taxes are out of control, health care is costly, the business climate continues to deteriorate and state government seems unresponsive to our needs.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the voters of Scarborough’s House District 127 have a clear choice – both in style and substance.
I have known John McDonough for many years. He is a fair-minded man who has served in the Maine House of Representatives before. John has no personal agenda – just a sound, common sense attitude about the issues facing Maine today. His style of methodical and reasoned thinking would be a superb asset at the State House in Augusta.
John has strong beliefs and yet his style is truly non-confrontational. I believe he would be an effective voice for Scarborough in the Legislature and encourage District #127 voters to consider John McDonough on Election Day.
Linwood M. Higgins
Scarborough
A Republican voting for Pendleton
Editor:
I am writing to you not only as a resident of Scarborough, but as a Republican voter who is campaigning for a Democrat.
This Democrat is a friend in my life; my friend’s name is Peggy Pendleton. Peggy is not only the most honest and sincere person you will ever meet, Peggy’s integrity and priding herself on being a woman of honor makes me proud to be called her friend. Peggy has remained a steadfast figure in our Grange, in our community and in our lives as a wonderful and supportive figure.
Peggy is the kind of friend who has wisdom and knowledge and yet listens to you sincerely and with true concern. I believe Peggy’s years in the House of Representatives and as our state senator gave her even more character and wisdom. This is the reason why I believe she is the right person to represent the voters in the town of Scarborough in the House of Representatives. Not because she’s my friend, but because she is your friend too. Peggy is the person with the most experience and best qualifications to do the job needed to represent all of us in District 128.
So I ask you to vote on Nov. 7 for Peggy Pendleton for State Representative District 128 in Scarborough.
Betty Huff
Scarborough
Community ‘needs a better plan’ for school projects
Editor:
After carefully calculating how I’ll update and redecorate my “above average” home in Pine Point, I’ve come to a preliminary conclusion – recalculate and make a more reasonable, practical and affordable decision.
Among my considerations were the following: I don’t truly need to fulfill my fantasy at this time, I can continue to live comfortably in the short term and I don’t want the additional debt nor pay the interest on my fantasy for the next 20 years.
My feelings are the same related to the school bond referendum issues to be decided in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. It would be wonderful to live in a Scarborough version of Disney World and Lake Wobegon, where everything seems perfect but such ain’t the case. The whole process is flawed and misrepresented.
Consider the following:
• The “average” home cost doesn’t include waterfront property. Why not? It would have increased the “average” an additional $68,200, as determined by Town Assessor Paul Lesperance. Rest assured those who reside in waterfront property will pay the full 100 percent assessment of property tax, not the “average.”
• The proposal for reconstruction of Wentworth Intermediate School and the addition to Scarborough Middle School are in direct conflict with the town of Scarborough Comprehensive Plan, which is the guide for town growth. The School Board proposal overestimates the needs by as much as 75 percent for Wentworth and up to 38 percent in the middle school.
• The proposed dimensions for classroom size and total square footage are as much as 45 percent greater for the Wentworth project (193 vs. 125 square feet per student) and 34 percent greater (181 vs. 135 square feet per student for the middle school than recommended by the Office of School Facilities to the State Board of Education, as referenced in previous communication by Town Councilor Jeffrey Messer.
The Scarborough Board of Education, with the assistance of the town assessor and Harriman Architects, has outdone itself!
Schools and a high quality library are critical components of any successful community and Scarborough has significant structural and educational concerns to be resolved. It is equally obvious, however, that these concerns can be met at much lower cost to the taxpayers of Scarborough with no compromise to quality of education. Given the choice, I suspect many of Scarborough’s teachers would gladly sacrifice some of the “fluff” for educational materials and additional compensation.
Scarborough taxpayers, students and educators deserve a better plan. Vote no on both school proposals on Nov. 7 and rely on the incoming Board of Education to do it again, get it right and bring a better plan back to the voters.
Harold Hutchinson
Pine Point
Support Shawn Babine for House
Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Shawn Babine's campaign for the Maine House District 127. I have known Shawn for over ten years. Shawn has demonstrated his commitment to Scarborough in the leadership he has exhibited both on the Scarborough Education Committee and Scarborough Town Council.
Shawn has devoted countless hours to improving our quality of life in our community and our area. He cares deeply about our Scarborough and will work tirelessly to champion our priorities in Augusta.
Shawn has also demonstrated the courage to take an independent position even though that position might be controversial. One clear example of that was the position he took objecting to the Great American Neighborhood as it was originally designed. Shawn will be our independent voice in Augusta and will not be subject to the political gamesmanship that is a daily way of life for some elected officials.
Perhaps most importantly, Shawn has extensive financial and business experience, which will quickly assist him in facing the difficult financial issues presented in representing Scarborough in our State Legislature. Shawn's education and experience, including his service as a TD Banknorth vice president, have provided him with the skills necessary to tackle the difficult obstacles, including balancing the budget, making difficult choices and being fiscally responsible in those choices.
Shawn is committed to investing in people, innovation and Maine's small businesses to create good paying jobs. As he has demonstrated in Scarborough, he will continue to preserve and protect our national heritage and provide access to our bountiful resources both in Scarborough and throughout our great state.
Shawn will continue to represent Scarborough's interest as he has for the last six years on our Education Committee and Town Council. Therefore, for the above reasons, I strongly urge you to join me in voting for Shawn Babine on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Neil D. Jamieson, Jr.
Scarborough
Pendleton will be ‘a strong and effective voice’
Editor:
I urge support for Peggy Pendleton as a strong and effective voice in the next Maine House of Representatives. Peggy has a wealth of real world experience, extensive knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to gets things done immediately upon election. She’s also good to her word and always puts common sense over partisanship.
Peggy Pendleton has been a resident of Scarborough for 30 years. She has over 24 years of experience as a nurse and nurse educator. She has served Scarborough voters in both the Maine House and the Maine Senate. She knows education policy, health care policy and marine resources policy in real detail. Peggy is committed to quality affordable health care for all Mainers and Peggy supports a prosperity plan to create jobs and opportunities and to secure a stronger future for everyone in our state.
Peggy Pendleton will ensure fiscal responsibility in Maine and demand it from Washington. She’ll work to lower income taxes for working families and small Maine businesses. Peggy will place as her highest priority to always protect Scarborough and Maine’s heritage by preserving our farms, fisheries, open spaces and public access.
I have had the honor of working closely with Peggy in the Maine Legislature when we both served on the Marine Resources Committee. Her work ethic, deduction to her constituents and knowledge of the legislative process is first rate.
Peggy has the highest integrity and respect from her peers in both parties. She will help move Maine forward. I urge you to vote for Peggy Pendleton on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
David Lemoine
Former State Representative
Old Orchard Beach
Babine deserves your support
Editor:
Shawn Babine is a candidate for the Maine House and I encourage your support and vote this Nov. 7.
I have known Shawn for over 20 years and can attest that he not only has the motivation and drive to succeed, but also the perseverance to work as a Maine House representative. Shawn has been involved in politics and leadership roles as long as I have known him and has learned what it takes to get the job done. Shawn's commitment to increase Maine's access to affordable, quality health care, create high paying jobs, safeguard our environment, build a stronger economy and create opportunity through our educational system are values Shawn stands for and are values embedded in this community.
As a town councilor for the town of Scarborough, Shawn has demonstrated that hard work and perseverance are what it takes to get the job done. Leading Maine takes commitment, energy, passion and leadership, which is why I ask you to join me in supporting Shawn Babine on Nov. 7.
Douglas Leon
Scarborough
Messer: The math does not add up on school projects
Editor:
When people really want to know what something will cost them, they might ask "do the math." So let's do the math concerning the referendum questions before the voters for $55 million in school buildings. As a follow-up to the guest column that was published a couple of weeks ago, numerous citizens have asked that I provide a more detailed analysis of these projects.
The brochures being distributed around town really don't give folks an accurate picture of the true construction costs of these projects. The true cost of construction is calculated by adding the annual principal and interest for all bonds associated with the project then divide this number by the estimated town assessed valuation. This gives the tax rate increase just from these projects, which is then multiplied by the average residential assessment of $371,600 to obtain the true cost impact of the construction.
Doing the math for all 33 years of debt payments yields the following numbers. As the cost of the bonds kicks in over a five-year period, the peak year tax impact will be $495 (in 2012) for the average residence in addition to any other tax increases they may incur between now and then. The average annual cost between 2012 and 2016 will be $462 a year above and beyond any other tax increases. The total out of pocket cost over the term of the bonds for the average residence is estimated to be $8,189. These numbers are only based on the costs of construction and equipment and do not include any budget increase for the operating costs.
Now let's look at the impact in operating costs. The increase in operating costs will also have a direct tax impact resulting from these projects. With that in mind, I made a request on Jan. 9 to school administration to provide their estimated increase in operating budget expenses. From that time until present, there has been no disclosure in response to my request, nor has there been any public disclosure concerning the estimated increase in operating expenses relating to these projects. We do know that there will be added cost from the estimated 68 new school department employees salaries, benefits and associated additional costs.
Let's look at enrollment projections furnished by the School Department for the 2006 Comprehensive Plan update. Peak enrollment for the middle school was stated to be 850 students in 2011. The building is proposed for 950 students, but yet the brochures distributed by the school department list 1,100 students as maximum capacity (250 students above their own enrollment projections).
The same pattern continues for the intermediate school. Enrollment projections indicate peak enrollment to be 794 students in 2008. The building is proposed for 900 students. The brochures list 1,058 students as maximum capacity (264 students above their own enrollment projections). Why are the enrollment figures significantly inflated just before the voting? Are these projects realistic to the needs of the community? You be the judge.
The square footage numbers used in my guest column were taken from a report filed with the State Board of Education by the director of school facilities. I have compiled additional data from a report published by the Maine Department of Education that details the costs, square footage and enrollment of every elementary school built in Maine in the last decade. Let's look at the seven schools built in Maine since 2001 that house 400 plus students.
The total cost of these schools is $92.8 million with a projected enrollment of 3,550 students. This yields an average cost of $25,400 per student. The intermediate school question on the ballot is for $38.4 million with projected enrollment of 900 students. This yields a cost per student of $42,700 per student, 67 percent higher than the average of the seven schools built in Maine during this period. A further consideration is that 88 percent of the costs of these seven other schools were funded with state money, leaving only 12 percent to be funded by their local communities. We are being asked to fund 100 percent of a much greater cost. Are we asking our citizens for too much? What do you think?
The chairman of the Board of Education has publicly acknowledged the schools could probably be built for $5 million less. This raises two questions. Why wasn't it on the ballot for $5 million less? Could there be a better solution at a greater savings that would also reduce the ongoing operating costs?
Here is just one thought and I'm sure there may be other alternatives. I suggest removing sixth grade from the middle school, which eliminates the need for the $16.6 million addition at that facility. Build a school for Grades three to six, assuming an average 300 students per grade, which allows for reasonable growth beyond current estimates. Then apply the state formula for square footage per student. This would result in a building of 150,000 square feet, a 23 percent reduction in size from the $38.4 million building currently proposed. Not only would we be saving on the building, we would save on the increases in operating costs as well.
I hope this information has been of value to you as you go the polls to cast your ballot.
Jeffrey Messer
Scarborough Town Council
School Board chair asks public for support of school referendums
Editor:
On Tuesday, each of us has the opportunity to shape both the short and long term future of our town. On Nov. 7, we will decide on the type of people we want on our Town Council for the next three years. We will also vote on the type of school facilities we want in the future in order to meet the educational and growth needs for the next 15 to 30 years.
I grew up in Scarborough, as did my parents and all my grandparents. In fact , my family lived here in the 1800s. But this Tuesday, I’m not concerned about the past, but rather how our votes will shape our future. After six years of serving on the Scarborough School Board, with my term ending this month, I feel obligated to provide you with the reasons why I believe all of us should support the school building referendums.
There is no question that this town has changed a lot in the past 10 years let alone the past 40 years. Our town continues to grow and so has the number of students in our schools. In fact, while serving on our School Board our enrollment has increased every year with some years increasing over 100 students per year. The southern Maine economy and the attractiveness of Scarborough will continue to grow for years to come and we need to make sure that our facilities are available to support our needs in the future.
Meeting the educational needs for our students is one of the most important responsibilities a town has and one of the best investments we can make. The value of a town is directly related the quality of its schools. The town has been working on developing the best educational and economic solution to our growing school population for several years. That’s why for the past few years the School Board and various committees, including many people from our Town Council, have developed what I believe is the most effective solution to our school facility needs for the next 15 to 30 years.
Each building project proposal meets the current and future needs as our town continues to grow. The following information relates to the Wentworth replacement project and the middle school addition:
• The replacement or renovation of Wentworth has been studied for the many years. The School Board and our Town Council as well as many citizens have all been part of the building proposals. After months of studying various proposals we’ve realized that the cost to renovate continues to increase to the point that replacement is more cost effective than renovating the Wentworth building.
• Various grade configurations were studied, including a 3-6 and 7-8 configuration and the School Board, along with a citizens’ survey, determined that the current grade configuration was the most feasible Building a 3-6 school to accommodate over 1,200 students was not feasible on the existing school campus and is not the most educationally sound grade configuration.
• Our town has applied for state subsidy, but as our town has grown, so too has the value of the town to the point where state subsidy will not come in the foreseeable future.
• Both the middle school addition and Wentworth replacement are designed to meet the student growth for years to come, with classrooms designed using state standards. These schools are designed for the long-term growth so we don’t repeat the overcrowding created in the middle school when it was designed in the early 1990s at 151 square feet per student. Shortly after the school opened, the enrollment exceeded the design capacity.
• The Wentworth replacement was designed to accommodate district-wide needs and will have a gym/multiple purpose room and stage that will be utilized for community functions.
• The square footage per student for both schools is in line with other schools built in the past few years. People can find the actual square footages of other school projects such as Gorham’s middle school with a planned 185 square feet per student, Kennebunk elementary at 171 square feet and Biddeford Middle School at 185 square feet, among others, listed on the State of Maine Department of Education’s Web site.
• The designs for our buildings took into account safety issues such as ADA, fire and emergency issues, road access, a playground for the Wentworth replacement and building systems such as air handling, electrical, plumbing and energy efficiency.
• The operating cost to maintain these new facilities will be more cost effective than maintaining the existing structures over the long term. The educational staff will continue to be based on the educational needs and the growth in student enrollment.
After reviewing the data, I believe you’ll agree that the need to replace the existing portables at the middle school and expand the core space for the current and future enrollment has been clearly documented, along with the cost effectiveness of replacing the existing Wentworth building.
After considerable discussions, the cost of each proposal was finalized by the building committees and then voted on by the School Board and the Town Council so that it could be placed on the November ballot for all of us to decide how we want to shape the future of our schools and town. The town manager and his finance staff also provided the School Board and citizens with the estimated financing costs and the impact on the average home owner.
The tax information presented in the flyers was to inform our citizens of the estimated tax impact using assumptions developed by the manager and not the school department, as the financial structure of the bonds is determined by the town. The average tax cost, which has recently been disputed, was based on the recent 2005 average homeowner’s valuation. The average home value was determined by the town, not the school, but the important point is the impact per $1,000 of valuation, so each and every homeowner has a better understanding of their costs. The tax increase in the flyer shows the estimated increase in debt cost relative to today’s current debt cost, taking into account both the amortization of the existing debt, financing the middle school and Wentworth projects for 20 and 30 years respectively and with the assumption that the Town Council continues to bond about $6 million per year on capital improvement projects that do not go for voter approval.
The tax increase shown in the flyers represents the estimated increase of the debt service in the future relative to today’s current debt cost per $1,000 of valuation. What people don’t realize is that our town’s debt is not simply made up of voter approved projects, but also includes what the Town Council approves each year for capital improvements on roads/utilities and projects under the $400,000 limit. During the 2005 and 2006 fiscal years, the Town Council approved bonding $15.2 million worth of capital improvements, slightly less then the total cost of the middle school addition.
As I end my second and final term on our School Board in November, I am proud of the progress we have made over the past six years, not only with our schools but throughout the town. During the six years, I was fortunate enough to chair the board’s finance committee for four years and chair the board this year. When I joined the School Board I made a promise to myself that I would do the best I could to improve educational quality, while maintaining a cost effective school system. I believe that we have made good progress increasing the quality of education by expanding and modifying programs, adding staff where needed, expanding the high school facility along with many other items, all while being able to maintain one of the lowest costs per student ratio in Cumberland County, at just over $8,000 per student this year. Even when we add in the debt costs and the community service budget, as they maintain the grounds in town, the educational cost per student is still less than many of our surrounding communities.
As many of you know, I’m an actuary by profession and make a living by analyzing numbers, along with substituting facts for appearances. I encourage all of you to look at all the aspects of these projects such as growth, size, state standards, technology and costs and think about how you want Scarborough school facilities to be 15 to 30 years from now. After you truly substitute the facts for appearances, I’m sure you will agree with me that both school building projects are not only good for the future students in Scarborough, but they are cost effective and will be good for the town. A quality school system is one of the best ways to maintain value of Scarborough and the quality of life we enjoy.
Thank you for your support over the past six years and please vote with me to support these building projects.
Robert C. Mitchell
Chair, Scarborough School Board
Support the school referendums ‘enthusiastically’
Editor:
In light of the glut of information and rhetoric surrounding the two school referendums on Nov. 7, I feel compelled to provide a simplified viewpoint that I hope appeals to those who are confused or undecided at the current time.
First a few undisputable facts to preface my viewpoint:
1. Scarborough’s population will continue to grow. We have nearly 4,000 unbuilt house lots in town and the access to urban areas, transportation, and natural features insure that Scarborough will be attractive for many years to come.
2. Our property tax rate is low and our property values are high. Communities around Scarborough have mil rates twice that of ours, which has been stable for nearly ten years. This is a key indicator of a high level of fiscal responsibility.
3. People love to see their home value appreciate. Anyone who has traded up to a better house or taken a home equity line of credit for college bills or a vacation know how home appreciation can provide opportunities.
4. Quality of schools directly effect home values. Realtors steered people away from Scarborough in the late 1970s due to the perceived weakness of the school system. Today the strength of the schools is right up there with the beaches as a main attraction for buyers.
5. The school department, local officials, educators and many citizens have studied the school building proposals every way possible for nearly two years. The result of all of this work is the ballot question for each building project we will vote on next Tuesday.
6. Once completed, the town-wide school facilities will be adequate to serve the population for 25 or more years, if properly maintained. This is an investment in our community that will pay dividends for a generation or more.
So, with that in mind, I submit that the information gathered by the officials who have studied the projects for so long, including analysis of the existing facilities, the current opportunities and gauging the future needs is true and valid. They have analyzed the projects in excruciating detail and I value that work. There are those that will manipulate the figures to serve their purpose, but I trust the professionals, not those who may have an axe to grind.
The need for both projects is clearly justified and the specifics have been well publicized, so I will spare you the redundancy. There has been no rational argument to contradict the need, only twisting of facts and data to confuse the voters.
One particular editorial essentially said, “Our kids are already spoiled, let them go to school in portables until the state says conditions are so bad that they will build us new schools.” I, for one, want to live in a community that values the children more than that and will be more proactive when it comes to their welfare and education.
To recap, we know the schools are important to the value of our homes and our community. We know there are needs that must be addressed in the middle school and Wentworth Intermediate School eventually. We also know that it will only be more expensive and potentially harmful to the children to do it later.
Therefore, we should support the two referendums enthusiastically and I hope that you will.
Patrick O’Reilly
Scarborough
Wants outweigh needs on school projects
Editor:
As a member of the new School Board, I want to take an opportunity to express my views on the upcoming school bond issue and why I will be voting no.
The scope of both projects, but in particular the Wentworth School project, is too large and inconsistent with the needs expressed by the current School Board. I am not sure the debt and tax burden we are passing on to our children and seniors has been fully realized. For homeowners who become empty nesters in 2011 or 2012 and want to downsize their home, the increased high taxes may have an impact on your ability to sell your home quickly or at the price you need to get.
The issues concerning the Wentworth School is the building itself, not capacity, yet the size of the school is being doubled. This does not make sense. It can be done a different way.
The issue concerning the middle school is capacity. Other options were given short shrift by the School Board because it appears it was not what the administrators of the district wanted. Reconfiguring the grades was an option quickly brushed aside. Wants rather than needs dictated the scope of both projects. For example, if the size of the Wentworth School is going to be doubled when capacity is not an issue – redesign the Wentworth School to provide for more classroom space and put the sixth graders in the Wentworth School and no expansion of the middle school would be necessary. This would save the taxpayers millions of dollars. This was not given serious consideration along with other options.
It is estimated by reliable sources that in the year 2012, the annual tax bill on an average priced home in Scarborough will increase by about $500 per year to payoff just the school projects. Before you vote, multiply the cost per year of both the current high school bond issue plus the new school bond issues, over the number of years you will be paying, and it’s far more than a few cents a month but could be as much as $8,000 dollars for the average home owner over the 20 year term of the bonds. Voting this bond issue is like buying a car for nothing down and only $300 a month without calculating the full cost of the car which is $18,000 over the term of the five-year loan! These school projects represent the wants of the school administration and current School Board and not the needs of the students or the taxpayers. Let the new School Board scale back the project and deal with the needs rather than the wants. Join me in voting no.
Annalee Rosenblatt
Scarborough
Vote for Curley for Congress
Editor:
I am voting for Darlene Curley for U. S. Congress in the First District because she has worked hard to make our state a better and safer place to live.
She was instrumental in getting "Tina's Law" passed, which made Maine's roads safer for everyone. She's been a tireless supporter of educational initiatives while working hard to keep government spending down. She will represent our state in Washington with integrity and dedication. I encourage Mainers to vote for Darlene Curley this November.
Nancy Russell
Scarborough
Pendleton ‘will represent and serve all of us’
Editor:
We are writing this letter in support of Peggy Pendleton’s campaign for the Maine House in District 128. Peggy has lived in our town for 30 years and has represented Scarborough residents well during her 14-year career in the Maine House and Senate. She has the right balance of experience and common sense to be successful in Augusta. Peggy is deeply committed to our community and will always place Scarborough’s needs before partisan politics.
Peggy has made affordable health care for seniors, low-income families and children one of her top priorities throughout her career. She has successfully sponsored legislation resulting in low cost prescription drugs for seniors and health insurance for children from low-income families. Peggy’s 24 years of experience as a nurse will assist her in continuing to work for affordable health care for all of Maine’s families and small businesses.
Peggy’s experience as the Senate education chair will assist her in helping to make college accessible and affordable for all Maine students. Having raised her children and grandchildren in Scarborough, she understands the importance of a quality education that will increase everyone’s opportunity.
Most importantly, Peggy has the right values and integrity that will make a difference in Augusta. She is compassionate about representing her constituents and committed to improving the quality of life in our community and our state. She will represent and serve all of us.
For all the above reasons, we urge you to vote for Peggy Pendleton on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Jim and Nan Stovall
Scarborough
Pendleton ‘has what it takes’
Editor:
I am writing in support of Peggy Pendleton’s campaign for the Maine House seat in District 128.
I have known Peggy for over 30 years. The fact that she has resided in Scarborough for over 30 years speaks volumes for her commitment to serve us in Augusta. Peggy has the utmost integrity, sincerity and compassion regarding working for her constituents. She is very committed to improving our community and to improve the opportunity for all Maine citizens. She has always placed the interest of Scarborough’s citizens first and left the squabbling of partisan politics behind.
Peggy has the experience to make a difference in Augusta now. She knows how the process works and in her 14 years in the legislature, gained the respect of both Republicans and Democrats while serving as chair of two of the most important committees – the Education and Judiciary Committees. Peggy single handedly championed the effort to pass “Jake’s Law,” a statute that increased the criminal sentence to those who physically abuse minor children.
Peggy’s experience as a nurse was critical in drafting the legislation that resulted in protecting seniors’ rights to low-cost prescription drugs and affordable health insurance. Her medical knowledge and expertise will be a huge advantage in continuing to protect and improve the quality of health care for our most vulnerable citizens.
Peggy has what it takes to make the difficult choices while maintaining the ability to work across party lines. She will represent all of our views in Augusta and has a proven track record of success. Please join me in voting for Peggy Pendleton on Nov. 7.
Arlene Vaillancourt
Scarborough
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