Seven vie for open Saco City Council seats - Oct. 20, 2011
The races for two-year terms for the Saco City Council feature eight candidates in seven wards. Ward 2 Councilor Leslie Smith’s questionnaire was not received in time for publication this week and will be included next week.
Ward 1
Name: David L. Tripp
Age: 70
Family: Married to Donna
Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: Saco city councilor, 2002-2008
Why are you running for office?
I would like to be able to represent the citizens from Ward 1. Please call me with any questions or concerns, 283-3497.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Build a cable car system from the train station to I-295.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
I would like to work with the Maine Turnpike Authority to install a toll barrier north of Flag Pond Road.
I would like to work with citizens and businesses to volunteer their time and services to make the public land located off Route 5 and Louden Road open to the public.
Ward 3
Name: Marie Doucette
Age: 80
Family: I have two daughters and a son. Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: One term as Ward 3 councilor.
Why are you running for office?
My first term was a great learning experience and believe me there is a lot to learn as a freshman councilor. I would like to use my experience to work with the other councilors and the mayor to make Saco a great city to live, work and play in.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
With the current economy this is a real challenge. We need to ensure that our current businesses and shops get the support they need by meeting with them to get their input and ideas on how we can help them prosper. We also have to work with planning and development to encourage other businesses to locate in Saco. We are fortunate to have Saco Spirit, which strives to make our downtown very attractive which is a plus for encouraging businesses to locate here. We also need to do something about downtown parking which will help persuade people to shop and dine downtown.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
My first priority would be to keep property taxes from increasing. With the cost of fuel and food skyrocketing, our residents are having a difficult time and the city needs to hold the line on taxes. This will be difficult because the city is also experiencing rising costs for fuel, and paving costs have gone through the roof. My other priority would be to increase the number of units of affordable housing.
Ward 4
Name: Philip L. Blood
Age: 64
Family: Wife is Margaret, two grown children
Occupation: Retired educator
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
Last winter I was approached and asked to consider filling the term of a councilor who was moving from Ward 4. Having agreed, I enjoyed the challenge. I believe that it is important to involve yourself in the community in which you live. We have lived in Saco for the past 15 years and because of my retirement I now have time to devote to this service. I believe that Saco is being well run in these hard economic times and that I have skills that can help keep us in a positive direction.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
There is no magic answer to this question. I believe that Saco is headed in a positive direction through the updates of the Comprehensive Plan and the recommendations coming from the planning board by taking a fresh look at our zoning ordinances. Saco has an excellent infrastructure in place that will help serve as a draw to prospective business. Through continued good leadership and support along with organizations like Saco Spirit and the Chamber of Commerce we will be prepared as economic times change for the better. Specifically we must pay attention to traffic flow and parking in the downtown area.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
One of my priorities will be to help Saco stay focused in these hard economic times. It is important that we are really clear regarding what we can do and what we cannot do. Budgets are and will be difficult and we must maintain a sense of a balanced and clear direction for the City of Saco to prosper.
A second priority will be to help the Saco River and Camp Ellis Shore Damage Mitigation Project become a reality. This project to help stem the erosion of Camp Ellis has been in the planning stages for many years. This project is important and will be beneficial to the city. It will be terrific to see it completed.
Ward 5
Name: Arthur J Tardif
Age: 70
Family: Son Donald, daughter Suzanne, five grandchildren
Occupation: Retired Saco police officer, associate broker at Prudential Prime Properties
Previous political experience: 21.5 years as Ward 5 councilor
Why are you running for office?
To continue to maintain the quality of service for the city and still keep taxes as low as possible.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Saco has always had a good downtown but more parking will be an asset.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
To try and prevent unnecessary spending like was done on windmill and electric car, which were very unsuccessful. Also to control spending from RSU 23 as Saco needs to get out of and elect school board members that will speak up at meetings and not just go along with everything that is proposed when Saco is paying the most of the cost.
Ward 6
Name: Eric Cote
Age: 64
Family: Wife, Rae, and son, Ben
Occupation: Lawyer
Previous political experience: 10 years on Saco Planning Board, about 18 years on Saco City Council, four years as mayor
Why are you running for office:
To help continue to make Saco a great place to live.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Provide more parking and improve access to businesses.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
1. Reduce the city’s use of energy and convert to renewable energy sources.
2. Provide more affordable housing.
Ward 7
Name: Marston Lovell
Age: 65
Family: Married to Karen Lovell, 37 years; daughter, Beth, married three children; son, Alex, married, no children.
Occupation: Owner, computer and communications service company
Previous political experience: City councilor since 2007; delegate, Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee; member, Maine Municipal Association Executive Committee; member, Maine Municipal Association Strategy and Finance Committee; Tri Community Transit Committee.
Why are you running for office?
Saco is the most progressive and efficient city in Maine. It has, however, misspent money on technology. It acquired and installed a wind turbine for $300,000 and placed it in a location where it could not serve its designed purpose. The technology was not paired with the resources it needed. As an experienced scientist, technologist and accountant I can and will facilitate Saco’s investment in 21st-century technology on effective and productive projects with actual payback.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Before serving on the council, I had observed that inadequate parking is a serious obstacle to retail development of our downtown. Retail stores depend on browsing customers and impulse purchases. Retail stores require a minimum of five to eight parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. Customers should not have to walk beyond the downtown with the arms filled with purchases or park illegally. In addition to speaking out in favor of improved parking, I recently managed council approval of a Planning Board recommendation to separate the downtown residential zone from the downtown business zone. This change provides downtown residents with assurance that their property is in a residential zone and retains the B-3 downtown business zone. I plan to identify new sources of parking. When I speak with owners and general managers of technology businesses in other states, I point out the benefits of the $5 million of improvements Saco has made in its downtown business zone.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
First, I will continue to hold the line on the city’s budget and work with city staff to maintain services while minimizing property tax increases. Second, I will continue to promote economic development to broaden our tax base. The availability of efficient and cost effective public transportation will enhance economic development. I will continue to push the Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Turnpike Authority to meet their responsibility to the Tri Community Transit Committee in the operation of the Zoom and Intercity routes, now that we have allocated costs and revenues to each route. I will continue to enhance Saco’s reputation as the most appealing residential and business community in the state, by working with the city mayor, council and staff and the Maine Municipal Association Executive Committee and staff.
Name: Nathan Johnston
Age: 28
Family: Single
Occupation: Part time Vic and Whit’s Sandwich and Wine Shop/self-employed
Previous political experience: I have never run for political office before, but I grew up around local politics from an early age. Along with serving on many political campaigns I served on the ad hoc committee for the reuse of the Saco Central Fire Station.
Why are you running for office?
Being the son of a local, long time politician, at times I literally grew up at Saco City Hall. Since those early years I have had an interest in local politics. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, which allowed me to travel all over the world including a combat tour in Iraq, I returned home in 2006 and realized how important my hometown was to me. I recognized how much this town had to offer and just needed some youthful vision to get it there. In 2007 I thought of running for council but thought I should wait a few more years to gain more experience as an adult. Overall I’m concerned about the direction the city of Saco has taken of late and hope to be able to provide a younger perspective.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Having been part of the downtown my whole life I feel I bring a unique view of the downtown. I work and live there and see all the unrecognized potential of the downtown. I think its very important that we as a community recognize that though many of the neighborhood side streets are presently run down, they can easily incorporate innovative new businesses that fit into those existing neighborhoods without destroying the character of those neighborhoods. I also feel we need to look into the amount of existing low-income housing. I feel we have not enough working class people living downtown to support the small businesses that are needed for the downtown to prosper.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
If I’m elected I will represent the downtown, the core of Saco. One of my main goals is to see that our downtown gets back on the right track. This includes working with new businesses that are looking to move to Saco, ensuring that our downtown infrastructure is well kept and working to find a real reuse solution for the now vacant Saco Central Fire Station and Notre Dame Church (not a parking lot). I realize there is a need for parking downtown but I feel there are more viable options than the destruction of a beautiful building and our history for a few parking spots. My other main goal is to work to get Saco back in good financial standing.
–
Ward 1
Name: David L. Tripp
Age: 70
Family: Married to Donna
Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: Saco city councilor, 2002-2008
Why are you running for office?
I would like to be able to represent the citizens from Ward 1. Please call me with any questions or concerns, 283-3497.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Build a cable car system from the train station to I-295.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
I would like to work with the Maine Turnpike Authority to install a toll barrier north of Flag Pond Road.
I would like to work with citizens and businesses to volunteer their time and services to make the public land located off Route 5 and Louden Road open to the public.
Ward 3
Name: Marie Doucette
Age: 80
Family: I have two daughters and a son. Occupation: Retired
Previous political experience: One term as Ward 3 councilor.
Why are you running for office?
My first term was a great learning experience and believe me there is a lot to learn as a freshman councilor. I would like to use my experience to work with the other councilors and the mayor to make Saco a great city to live, work and play in.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
With the current economy this is a real challenge. We need to ensure that our current businesses and shops get the support they need by meeting with them to get their input and ideas on how we can help them prosper. We also have to work with planning and development to encourage other businesses to locate in Saco. We are fortunate to have Saco Spirit, which strives to make our downtown very attractive which is a plus for encouraging businesses to locate here. We also need to do something about downtown parking which will help persuade people to shop and dine downtown.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
My first priority would be to keep property taxes from increasing. With the cost of fuel and food skyrocketing, our residents are having a difficult time and the city needs to hold the line on taxes. This will be difficult because the city is also experiencing rising costs for fuel, and paving costs have gone through the roof. My other priority would be to increase the number of units of affordable housing.
Ward 4
Name: Philip L. Blood
Age: 64
Family: Wife is Margaret, two grown children
Occupation: Retired educator
Previous political experience: None
Why are you running for office?
Last winter I was approached and asked to consider filling the term of a councilor who was moving from Ward 4. Having agreed, I enjoyed the challenge. I believe that it is important to involve yourself in the community in which you live. We have lived in Saco for the past 15 years and because of my retirement I now have time to devote to this service. I believe that Saco is being well run in these hard economic times and that I have skills that can help keep us in a positive direction.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
There is no magic answer to this question. I believe that Saco is headed in a positive direction through the updates of the Comprehensive Plan and the recommendations coming from the planning board by taking a fresh look at our zoning ordinances. Saco has an excellent infrastructure in place that will help serve as a draw to prospective business. Through continued good leadership and support along with organizations like Saco Spirit and the Chamber of Commerce we will be prepared as economic times change for the better. Specifically we must pay attention to traffic flow and parking in the downtown area.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
One of my priorities will be to help Saco stay focused in these hard economic times. It is important that we are really clear regarding what we can do and what we cannot do. Budgets are and will be difficult and we must maintain a sense of a balanced and clear direction for the City of Saco to prosper.
A second priority will be to help the Saco River and Camp Ellis Shore Damage Mitigation Project become a reality. This project to help stem the erosion of Camp Ellis has been in the planning stages for many years. This project is important and will be beneficial to the city. It will be terrific to see it completed.
Ward 5
Name: Arthur J Tardif
Age: 70
Family: Son Donald, daughter Suzanne, five grandchildren
Occupation: Retired Saco police officer, associate broker at Prudential Prime Properties
Previous political experience: 21.5 years as Ward 5 councilor
Why are you running for office?
To continue to maintain the quality of service for the city and still keep taxes as low as possible.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Saco has always had a good downtown but more parking will be an asset.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
To try and prevent unnecessary spending like was done on windmill and electric car, which were very unsuccessful. Also to control spending from RSU 23 as Saco needs to get out of and elect school board members that will speak up at meetings and not just go along with everything that is proposed when Saco is paying the most of the cost.
Ward 6
Name: Eric Cote
Age: 64
Family: Wife, Rae, and son, Ben
Occupation: Lawyer
Previous political experience: 10 years on Saco Planning Board, about 18 years on Saco City Council, four years as mayor
Why are you running for office:
To help continue to make Saco a great place to live.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Provide more parking and improve access to businesses.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
1. Reduce the city’s use of energy and convert to renewable energy sources.
2. Provide more affordable housing.
Ward 7
Name: Marston Lovell
Age: 65
Family: Married to Karen Lovell, 37 years; daughter, Beth, married three children; son, Alex, married, no children.
Occupation: Owner, computer and communications service company
Previous political experience: City councilor since 2007; delegate, Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee; member, Maine Municipal Association Executive Committee; member, Maine Municipal Association Strategy and Finance Committee; Tri Community Transit Committee.
Why are you running for office?
Saco is the most progressive and efficient city in Maine. It has, however, misspent money on technology. It acquired and installed a wind turbine for $300,000 and placed it in a location where it could not serve its designed purpose. The technology was not paired with the resources it needed. As an experienced scientist, technologist and accountant I can and will facilitate Saco’s investment in 21st-century technology on effective and productive projects with actual payback.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Before serving on the council, I had observed that inadequate parking is a serious obstacle to retail development of our downtown. Retail stores depend on browsing customers and impulse purchases. Retail stores require a minimum of five to eight parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. Customers should not have to walk beyond the downtown with the arms filled with purchases or park illegally. In addition to speaking out in favor of improved parking, I recently managed council approval of a Planning Board recommendation to separate the downtown residential zone from the downtown business zone. This change provides downtown residents with assurance that their property is in a residential zone and retains the B-3 downtown business zone. I plan to identify new sources of parking. When I speak with owners and general managers of technology businesses in other states, I point out the benefits of the $5 million of improvements Saco has made in its downtown business zone.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
First, I will continue to hold the line on the city’s budget and work with city staff to maintain services while minimizing property tax increases. Second, I will continue to promote economic development to broaden our tax base. The availability of efficient and cost effective public transportation will enhance economic development. I will continue to push the Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Turnpike Authority to meet their responsibility to the Tri Community Transit Committee in the operation of the Zoom and Intercity routes, now that we have allocated costs and revenues to each route. I will continue to enhance Saco’s reputation as the most appealing residential and business community in the state, by working with the city mayor, council and staff and the Maine Municipal Association Executive Committee and staff.
Name: Nathan Johnston
Age: 28
Family: Single
Occupation: Part time Vic and Whit’s Sandwich and Wine Shop/self-employed
Previous political experience: I have never run for political office before, but I grew up around local politics from an early age. Along with serving on many political campaigns I served on the ad hoc committee for the reuse of the Saco Central Fire Station.
Why are you running for office?
Being the son of a local, long time politician, at times I literally grew up at Saco City Hall. Since those early years I have had an interest in local politics. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, which allowed me to travel all over the world including a combat tour in Iraq, I returned home in 2006 and realized how important my hometown was to me. I recognized how much this town had to offer and just needed some youthful vision to get it there. In 2007 I thought of running for council but thought I should wait a few more years to gain more experience as an adult. Overall I’m concerned about the direction the city of Saco has taken of late and hope to be able to provide a younger perspective.
What steps can be taken to boost business activity in downtown Saco?
Having been part of the downtown my whole life I feel I bring a unique view of the downtown. I work and live there and see all the unrecognized potential of the downtown. I think its very important that we as a community recognize that though many of the neighborhood side streets are presently run down, they can easily incorporate innovative new businesses that fit into those existing neighborhoods without destroying the character of those neighborhoods. I also feel we need to look into the amount of existing low-income housing. I feel we have not enough working class people living downtown to support the small businesses that are needed for the downtown to prosper.
What are your top two priorities or goals if elected?
If I’m elected I will represent the downtown, the core of Saco. One of my main goals is to see that our downtown gets back on the right track. This includes working with new businesses that are looking to move to Saco, ensuring that our downtown infrastructure is well kept and working to find a real reuse solution for the now vacant Saco Central Fire Station and Notre Dame Church (not a parking lot). I realize there is a need for parking downtown but I feel there are more viable options than the destruction of a beautiful building and our history for a few parking spots. My other main goal is to work to get Saco back in good financial standing.
–
Comments