HERE I AM

I read Jess Kilby’s column on the Portland School Committee with interest (Campaign Snapshot, Oct. 11). Of particular note to me was her comment at the end that the District 5 seat is currently vacant. I am the member of the School Committee currently serving District 5, and the reports of my non-existence are greatly exaggerated. I recognize that the City of Portland’s Web site reflects the position for District 5 as currently vacant; however, the School Committee Web site accurately reflects the current makeup of the School Committee. I was elected in June to fill the term of Jill Duson, who resigned from the School Board upon her election to the Portland City Council.

I have enjoyed my short tenure on the School Committee. I have attended every business meeting and workshop, and most community and committee meetings concerning our schools. I have been welcomed by each and every member of the School Committee, all of whom work diligently on behalf of Portland’s citizens. The members of the School Committee, including our Chair, Michelle Hedrick, are extremely knowledgeable about all matters relating to our school system, from learning results to facilities to legislative relations, budgetary matters, and the like.

There are so many interesting issues that call for the attention of the School Committee, including implementing state-mandated learning results in an atmosphere of decreasing state resources, fair student disciplinary decisions, consolidations, safe schools, a replacement of Jack School in particular, and the budget process. These are challenges upon which I would like to continue working. I have also enjoyed working with the very committed parents and other citizens of Portland on these endeavors. My decision not to run for re-election reflects nothing more than the amount of time I have to devote to my family and extremely busy law practice.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the citizens of my district who elected me to the School Committee, citizens of Portland who have been active in the processes of the School Committee, and administrators and teachers who work so hard in the Portland school system. The Portland school system is the finest, most diverse in the state. Our goal of treating all students fairly, while recognizing and celebrating our diversity, is admirable. Our partnership with business with respect to resources and volunteer time is a model for the state.

There is indeed much work to be done, and I would like to be a part of it. However, that desire must be balanced against a busy home and work life, for which I am very thankful. While I respect others who serve in public office, in fairness to my family and my clients, I have decided that, at this time of my life, I have neither the time nor the ambition to be anything other than the best father, husband, and attorney I can be.

Stephen J. Schwartz

Portland School Committee, District 5

COHEN RESPONDS

I am a firm believer in accuracy in campaigns. I was therefore disappointed when the Portland Phoenix mistakenly reported last week that I was a lobbyist for Central Maine Power, and therefore biased in favor of large commercial development. The fact is, while I do favor broadening our tax base, and I am both an energy attorney and public policy consultant, I do not work for CMP, and I personally believe that growth must be carefully managed to consider neighborhood concerns.

Obviously overlooked was the fact that I am founder and president of a neighborhood association, former president of Portland Trails, and treasurer of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Also overlooked was the fact that I spent over two years successfully helping to preserve 60 acres of important open space along the Presumpscot River — financed mostly with state and private dollars. For my efforts, I was singled out for praise by the Chair of the Portland Land Bank, and Senator Susan Collins. As someone proud to call Portland “home” for over 36 years, I continue to believe we must balance our desire to grow with the need to maintain our quality of life.

To the credit of the Phoenix, the editor readily acknowledged the error. The editor also correctly noted that our current councilor, a one-term incumbent, has a record of “inaccessibility” to constituents. Which is one reason so many of my neighbors in Riverton, North Deering, Deering Center, and Longfellow Woods — from both political parties — actively support my candidacy. And why I enjoy the support of five former mayors, three former school board chairs, two Speakers of the Maine House, and numerous well-respected educators and business people. District 5 needs an effective voice, and I am best qualified to be that voice.

James I. Cohen

Candidate for City Council, District 5

SUZMAN RESPONDS

I am grateful for being recognized by the Phoenix as “the only candidate who seems genuinely interested in helping the disabled, the elderly, and the immigrant population.” To this, I would add the following corrections to your review of the District 5 race, in the 10/25/02 Phoenix.

In-home health visits to the ill:

The Barron Center sends out two part-time, visiting nurses. They make as many as 19 or 20 home visits a day, as many as 387 per month. I would like to see this increased.

Marijuana:

I am in favor of any state’s legalization for medically approved use, even if possession of THC pills could be construed to violate federal laws. Glaucoma and pain are two good examples.

West Nile virus:

Prudently, feeding “the wildlife” could be dangerous, but now that the weather is cold, and the mosquitoes are gone, this is no threat to Maine. I took you questionnaire to refer not just to pigeon droppings, but more broadly, to a killer virus.

Budget issues:

I have met during the last six weeks, with eight department heads, and will know the City of Portland’s complicated budget by April, when the votes are to be made.

So, Sam and Jess, I ask your readers to give up on Mr. Inaccessible Hibbard, and give me a chance!!

Ivan Suzman

District 5 Council candidate