The League Guide: November 2009
Portland, ME
November 3, 2009
At the League, the work doesn't stop between Elections. Last year's groundbreaking Presidential Election was action-packed--and despite the fact that this is an electoral "off-year," there's nothing less exciting about this November. Mainers are being given the opportunity to pass and support laws that will set a historical precedent for Equality, the Economy, and Locality. We're on the edge of our seats--we hope you are, too!
The League of Young Voters is a youth-driven organization that finds creative ways to engage our peers in the political process by reframing politics as positive, accessible, and directly related to the lives of young people. We integrate traditional and non-traditional organizing tactics to build power and achieve meaningful results.
In order to receive League endorsement, candidates and issues needed to win a simple majority using an Instant Runoff Voting ballot. Our multi-partisan Elections Committee then spends up to eight hours a week researching and interviewing candidates. Committed League members who have racked up a minimum of eight hours of volunteer time are then allowed to vote on their favorite candidates. We are focused and committed to ensuring that our endorsed candidates have the skills and background necessary for elected office and would be excellent advocates for issues affecting young people.
Ballot Question 1: People’s Veto of Marriage Equality
Endorsed Vote: No
"Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?"
LEAGUE STANCE: VOTE NO on 1!
Equality has been a cornerstone of the League’s mission since we got rolling in 2003. As the enactment of Maine’s new marriage equality law demonstrates, the time has come to eradicate discrimination in Maine’s Marriage Laws and to protect marriage equality for all of Maine’s citizens. Sadly, there is an effort to repeal this important new law.
The League urges you to vote NO ON 1-- because marriage honors commitment: there are thousands of same-sex couples in Maine, many who have been together for decades, and have been unfairly blocked from basic rights afforded married couples.
-- because marriage strengthens families: more than 300 state laws provide legal protections to married couples. These protections cover every area of life and death and should be available to all families.
-- because marriage equality is a true Maine value: Maine is known throughout New England and the country as an ethical, equal, and wonderful state that embraces the ideal of “live and let live.” It’s time to live up to that ideal.http://mainefreedomtomarry.com/
Ballot Question 2: Maine Excise Tax Repeal
Endorsed Vote: No
"Do you want to cut the rate of the municipal excise tax by an average of 55% on motor vehicles less than six years old and exempt hybrid and other alternative-energy and highly fuel-efficient motor vehicles from sales tax and three years of excise tax?"
LEAGUE STANCE: NO on 2!
This proposal will unfairly reduce the auto excise tax on luxury and hybrid vehicles, removing the much-needed revenue for our cities and towns. Excise Taxes are an incredibly important source of income for municipalities! A few reasons to vote No on 2:
-- Without these funds, services such as trash collection and road maintenance (like plowing!) will be degraded;
-- Mainers who don’t purchase or own luxury or hybrid cars will foot the bill for local road-work;
-- property taxes will rise, which could impact new and lower income homeowners
We here at the League strongly believe in Economic Justice.Folks who can afford luxury or hybrid vehicles should pay their fair share the costs of basic community maintenance.
Ballot question 3: School Consolidation
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
“Do you want to repeal the 2007 law on school district consolidation and restore the laws previously in effect?”
LEAGUE STANCE: No Recommendation.
The debate over school consolidation has been heated since consolidation was passed in 2007, with no easy answers about what is best for our schools and our state in this economic climate. A “yes” vote would change our school districts back to the pre-consolidation status; a “no” vote would keep the laws the same, and allow consolidation to continue.
Supporters of Question 3 argue that voters should vote “yes” because the consolidation effort isn’t working—it’s not saving the state the promised amount of money which impacts children. More info can be found here: http://yeson3me.ning.com/
Opponents to Question 3 contend that if passed, it would cost taxpayers millions and that school consolidation is “saving taxpayers’ money, reducing unnecessary expense and putting more money in the classroom.” More info can be found here: http://www.coststoomuch.com/
Ballot Question 4: TABOR II
Endorsed Vote: No
"Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes?"
LEAGUE STANCE: VOTE NO on 4!
The so-called “Tax Payer Bill of Rights” (TABOR) is the second attempt by an anti-government group to financially hamstring the state and municipalities—in 2006, this same type of question was soundly defeated. TABOR was a bad idea for Maine in 2006, and it’s an even worse idea now—in fact, in the one state that passed TABOR, Colorado, TABOR has had a devastatingly negative impact.http://votenotabor.org/
TABOR, if it passes, will create uncertainty in already uncertain times. Despite what its proponents say, TABOR will slow the job market; weaken Maine schools, healthcare and public safety; and delay our state and local economic recovery.
TABOR has already failed in Colorado—causing severe economic damage. Out of state interests continue to push this proposal in a number of states. Lets reject this trend in Maine by voting No on 4!
Ballot Question 5
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
“Do you want to change the medical marijuana laws to allow treatment of more medical conditions and to create a regulated system of distribution?”
LEAGUE STANCE: No Recommendation.
While in other states, medical marijuana has been hugely controversial; Maine has passed several referenda allowing limited medical usage. If passed, the law would add to the number of conditions for which a physician can prescribe marijuana and allows the creation of nonprofit dispensaries. If it doesn’t pass, then those conditions will not be added.
Supporters say that the proposal would expand the current law to allow patients with a prescription to grow a small number of plants, enabling patients to get their medicine in a safe and legal way. More info can be found here: http://www.mainepatientsrights.org/
According to the Ethics Commission website, there is no organized opposition to Question 5.
Ballot Question 6
Endorsed Vote: Yes
“Do you favor a $71,250,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, public transit facilities, ferry and port facilities, including port and harbor structures, as well as funds for the LifeFlight Foundation that will make the State eligible for over $148,000,000 in federaland other matching funds?”
LEAGUE STANCE: YES on 6!This bond will help to fund much needed transportation, whether it be resurfacing roads, increasing public transit, or improving other transportation in the state. Since this bond will leverage at least as much in federal and other monies, we think it’s a win-win for Mainers.
Ballot Question 7
Endorsed Vote: No Endorsement
“Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to increase the amount of time that local officials have to certify the signatures on direct initiative petitions?”
LEAGUE STANCE: No Recommendation.There is currently no organized support or opposition for this measure. A “yes” vote would allow clerks extra time to validate petition signatures while a “no” vote would keep the same amount of time in the current statutes.
Water District
Ken Levinsky
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Ken Levinsky is running for this position in the water district because, he says, it is too important a position to let it go uncontested. A self-proclaimed “water fan,” Ken makes up for what he lacks in political experience with 25 years of administration in retail and non-profit work, and water gusto, citing a personal commitment to keeping the water he drinks and swims in at top quality. Presently Ken connects himself to the community in his positions as an administrator and active member of Temple Beth-El, a study-hall teacher, working at an independent living center for senior citizens, and as secretary/treasurer for an athletic conference including 33 high schools. He lists his top three priorities as (1) safeguarding our precious water supply, (2) maintaining a workable balance between ratepayer fees, water district needs and competing interests, and (3) emphasizing customer service, employee satisfaction and public relations. He wants to keep water a public resource, reduce the discharge of wastewater, and speed up the time it takes to treat it while educating citizens about what they can do to aid in that work. We are impressed with the marked commitment he has shown to doing research, educating himself, and staying up-to-date about the issues facing the water district. Since we are already seeing a growth in Ken’s knowledge and competency around water district issues, we believe he’ll be a balanced and apt advocate for the League’s values.
Oliver Outerbridge
Endorsed Vote: No
Imagine, if you will, a typical candidate for the water district. Oliver Outerbridge is not that candidate. Owner of Bonobo pizza in the West End and the head of FLOW (Fluoride Out of Water, an organization that pursues what its name suggests), Oliver is an honest, passionate man. He is running, not surprisingly, on a platform to stop the addition of fluoride to municipal water supplies (and he is careful to note the distinction between removing a substance that exists inherently and discontinuing the addition of a substance). If elected, Oliver plans to hold the Water Trustee position for one year and then move on. Whether you agree or disagree with Oliver's position on fluoridation, we find the idea of attempting to remove fluoride in one year's time to be politically naive - particularly considering the Water District's website prominently displays a pro-fluoride page. We appreciate that Oliver isn't afraid to admit when he doesn't know the answer, that he is unwilling to hide behind a fear of controversy, and that he addresses questions directly with no frills attached. However, as a one-issue candidate who plans on checking out after one year, we feel that he lacks a comprehensive vision and a firm commitment to public service that public servants should embody.
School Committee, District 1
Jenna Vendil
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Jenna Vendil is testament to the value of equitable public education in her platform. With the extra care and guidance from her public school teachers, who stayed late to assist her in completing college applications, she traded homelessness for a scholarship to Bates College. Jenna has carried that experience into her bid for school committee, saying she has always been supportive of public education because it has been instrumental in shaping both her, and her community. She calls for a vision of educational equity that includes increasing the graduation rate and involving middle and high school students in the conversation; and hopes for community connection, consistency, and a centralized process for teaching goals for the newly formed curriculum committee. When asked about what an “effective” school looks like she cited Casco Bay, with its expeditionary learning program and placement of learners in the community, which promotes civic engagement and a high graduation/college acceptance rate. Her values, she says, match those of the League, and she wishes to work to engage underrepresented groups to get involved with the issues that affect them. With that said, we think she’d bring a fresh voice to the committee, not only because she happens to be one of us (and a much beloved one for that matter), but because she has done serious work to learn about all the issues and will bring a great leadership to the school committee.
School Committee, District 2
Ed Bryan
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Ed Bryan is a bundle of energy and he will talk your ear off about his involvement with Reiche school, where his two children attend. We think it's a good thing - Ed is clearly well-connected to both the school and his Portland community. He co-chairs the Parent Teacher Organization with his wife, is a member of the Parent Advisory Committee, is actively engaged in his West End Neighborhood Association, and coaches lacrosse to English Language Learners (ELL) students on "Adventure Thursdays." He was approached by several parents in the PTO to run and parents gathered signatures to place him on the ballot while he was out of town. Ed's ideas for Portland-wide school issues tend to start (and sometimes end) with experiences at Reiche, and his views on how to improve multiculturalism are grounded in the tenants of personal, face-to-face relationship building. He believes that safe and strong schools build safe and strong neighborhoods. Ed's professional life fits well with school committee budget objectives as he runs a business that works with municipalities, school districts and non-profits to write budget, finance, and personal reports. Ed believes that collaboration and communication are key to success in team efforts. He is friendly, outgoing and approachable, and we believe he will strive to connect schools in Portland to the greater community in all that he does.
Anthony Zeli
Endorsed Vote: No
Anthony Zeli immediately comes across as an intelligent and serious individual who feels passionately about the need for the long-term sustainability of our city. He has chosen to run for school committee because he feels his experience and motivation is well suited in providing a quality education for all Portland youth. As an active Green party member and founder of a non-profit committed to growing the film industry here in Southern Maine, Anthony has been knee-deep in the goings-on of the city for a couple of years and clearly sees room for improvement. One of his top priorities, if elected, is to implement energy-efficient measures that would not only save the district money down the road, but would lead the way for other municipal properties to adopt sustainable and environmentally sound practices. He supports the full funding of programs that provide for Portland's newest residents such as English Language Learners (ELL) and the Multi-cultural/Multi-lingual department and wants to explore more innovative curriculum like expeditionary learning that has proven successful at Casco Bay High School and the East End School. While we agree with his principals, we are concerned that budget constraints are more complex and challenging, making the programs he advocates for less feasible in the current economy.
School Committee, At-Large
Sarah Jordan Thompson
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Sarah Jordan Thompson is running for re-election as a lifelong Portlander and a parent of two children in the public schools. She has a plethora of experience including being a former Parent Teacher Organization president, board member of the Portland Education Partnership, and her experience as a School Committee member for the past three years. In her second term, she hopes to work towards a new vision and strategic plan that will open up the discussion. This is an opportunity to invite the community, including the growing number of English Language Learners families to join the conversation. Sarah looks forward to continuing work with the new superintendent and making sure that all the information is at hand to make informed decisions. She wants to make sure that past mistakes are not repeated and that there is open and honest communication going forward, and hopes to make improvements by receiving regular updates on the budget. Sarah will be looking for ways to be more cost effective, working with the city to share services and exploring alternative energy possibilities. Partnering with nonprofit organizations and area businesses, she looks to promote involvement and create more educational opportunities for students. She wants to celebrate the many successes within the schools to help increase enrollment and work with state representatives to bring more resources to Portland. Sarah is a dedicated member on the School Committee and her nature is very real and she inspires confidence with her breadth of knowledge on the issues. She will continue to be a strong advocate for our schools.
City Council, District 1
Charles Bragdon
Endorsed Vote: No
Charles Bragdon believes that the city council needs a true champion of the people among its ranks. As a lifelong resident and owner/operator of a taxi company, Charlie has been steeped in local issues in one way or another for many years. Having listened to Portlanders sound off their opinions in the back of his cab, he finally heeded the urging of a great number of customers to leap into the fray and run for office. His ideals are progressive and high-minded, but also a bit vague and diffuse. While touting universal equal rights, fair taxes for all classes, and a focus on renewable energy and sustainable resources, he offers little in the way of specific policies he would lobby for if elected. Charlie's ideas about mayoral power and how all permanent taxpaying citizens should have a legal right to vote and run for office seems better suited for a seat on the Charter Commission. Charlie has, however, been out knocking on doors and attending community events. Portland is a breeding ground for informed and passionate citizens like Charlie Bragdon, who want to make a difference. However, the city council is probably not the most appropriate training ground for a talent this green.
Kevin Donoghue
Endorsed Vote: Yes
As a current member of the city council, Kevin Donoghue has been actively engaging his constituents through the neighborhood associations. He is dedicated to focusing on core issues including affordable housing, transportation choice and community development. In a district of predominantly renters, he hopes to attract more young people and integrate generations and create a community that is safe, vibrant and affordable for all. He has long been an advocate for alternative modes of transportation and has been closely involved in the development of the Peninsula Transit Study. He has already been instrumental introducing a car-sharing program and in establishing free long-term motorcycle parking. Kevin has also been an advocate for bicyclists and pedestrian traffic and has created creating/installing new bike racks and lanes, crosswalks and accessible ramps. He hopes to address Portland's budgetary issues by serving on the Finance Committee and promoting more business development and growing the tax base by reforming outdated land use codes. He worked to establish the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Committee to create green building standards and look for other efficiencies. District One is full of diverse neighborhoods and Kevin has been present in the community, listening to individual needs and hopes to continue to support a vibrant growing population. He is one of the League's homegrown candidates, although we caution against the tendency to fall into "politics as usual" (remember where you came from!), we believe he is one of our greatest allies on the council.
City Council, District 2
Dave Marshall
Endorsed Vote: Yes
The League endorsed Dave Marshall for City Council in 2006 because of his dedication to progressive issues and his availability to Portlanders. Dave says he is still the candidate he was then, only this time with more experience. Dave seeks to implement plans developed in his first term, namely the Peninsula Transit Study, the Creative Economy Plan and the Climate Action Plan. Implementing the Peninsula Transit Study is a top priority for Dave as he runs for his second term. Dave would like to see the city become more sustainable by investing in municipal infrastructure and bolstering the creative economy. Dave is very accessible to his constituents and believes that empowering neighborhoods through community organizing will help Portland address challenges in the future. A visual artist, Dave believes art and politics go hand in hand, as they allow him to maintain a flexible schedule to better reach his community. Dave wants to address budget issues by consolidating municipal departments and asking for wage freezes when possible. Recently Dave has been hard at work trying to reform the entertainment license system in the Old Port. He believes a thriving, healthy nightlife will help grow Portland's artistic community. Dave Marshall embodies a young person who connects deeply with the community through responsive constituent services and will fight to make sure Portland continues growing in a healthy direction. Dave has been an effective, accessible councilor in the past, and the League hopes to see this trend continue as he moves into his second term.
City Council, At-Large
Nick Mavodones
Endorsed Vote: Yes
Nick Mavodones points confidently to his life's body of work as reason enough to endorse him. Be it as a union shop negotiator, member of several public interest boards, operations manager at Casco Bay lines, past school committee chair, or Portland mayor, he stands by his record of service to the community. While certainly not the League's most liberal or accessible ally on the council, Nick is nonetheless supportive of progressive policies such as lowered parking requirements for new developments, increased housing density (where appropriate), and the modification of zoning and policy to ensure the implementation of the transit study recommendations. He believes that a change in favor of local-option tax structures will sustain a healthy revenue. As the general manager of Casco Bay lines and chair of the finance committee, Nick is accustomed to the arduous work of dealing with budget shortfalls and making difficult cuts when necessary. His experience and knowledge is tremendous--and we know what to expect with Nick Mavodones sitting on the council.
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