Here is a copy of the information I responded to for a couple local newpaper requests:

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE AND WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AS A CANDIDATE?

In the last two years I have spoken with many South Portland residents about the problems facing our city's schools. The importance of having experienced and qualified decision makers will be instrumental as we will be spending well over 100 million dollars on educational endeavors over the next three years. I am well qualified and feel that it is my duty to step forward and be willing to serve.

Currently I am a key contributor that is responsible for ensuring appropriate sales, property and income taxation at LL Bean. Previously I have been a municipal and school employee responsible for developing and communicating budget requirements on behalf of executive staff, board members and citizens. Additionally I played a key role in operational and planning decisions, including facilitation of public meetings and hearings. I have considerable experience forming relationships with public officials, municipal employees, professional contractors and fellow citizens as a neighbor and a staff member.

QUESTION #1) In Nov. 2007, city voters by a wide margin rejected a plan to borrow $56 million to build a new city high school. Now the Secondary Schools Facilities Committee is working on a plan for a new high school that would cost less money. The committee is still working out costs, but this proposal could be in the $40 million to $49 million range. The committee wants the bond proposal to go to voters in June. What is your position on replacing South Portland High School?

KENDALL FASSETT RESPONSE - I think that there are some real needs when considering facilities that are used to provide an education to our community. However, I attended several meetings of the committee and do not have much faith in the product. I appreciate the time the committee members have put in and believe they are trying to do a great job. New schools do not come along every few years. This is a big decision and project that began with limited citizen input and not enough expert guidance. It has been going on for over three years now (If I am not mistaken) and closing in on $1,000,000 spent. I would like to see a peer review done on the work and would like to ask the citizens for their concerns, not limiting them to a few carefully crafted questions.

QUESTION #2) If the City Council decides to ask voters to approve borrowing money to build a new high school, would you recommend that the council send that bond question to voters at a June election or at a general election in November, when more voters go to the polls?

KENDALL FASSETT RESPONSE - Honestly I don't want to see this going to a vote until there has been due diligence. I would like to see an independent review that includes a couple of public hearings that are developed and facilitated by professionals. Board members may balk at spending $20,000 - $30,000 on more contractors. I think it would be a wise move. I would rather spend $30,000 to validate the "recommended" plan than save it and end up with a $5,000,000 regret In a $45,000,000 project.

I think there are many good ideas to be offered by citizens to help hammer out a good plan. We need to have those conversations. An example is the idea of "phase" construction offered by a citizen at one of the hearings. I am not saying this is the answer or not. I simply would like to see ideas actually considered before reciting all the reasons why they won't work.

If it does go to a vote, I would recommend it be in November to allow for greater participation. It will be more difficult to get approval, but if it is a good representation of our community values, the numbers will be there. Again, better to fail than be a $49,000,000 mistake. I am not concerned of the construction cost increase argument. I am not inclined to have fear of the unknown push me into a $49,000,000 construction project.

QUESTION #3) Because of state revenue shortfalls due to the economy, schools districts around the state, may see a curtailment of state funding. In South Portland, the lack of funds could affect the current school budget and future budgets. How should the school board address these potential revenue reductions in the school budget?

It may be time for some out of the box thinking. We need people who have expertise and can think creatively. There aren't likely any easy answers. I think that there are probably some great ideas in the heads of our own citizens. We just need to find them and be willing to ask and listen to any questions. My goal is to listen to the people and use my experience and expertise to help move us toward solid and defendable solutions.

Here is a copy of the information I responded to for a couple local newpaper requests: WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE AND WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AS A CANDIDATE? In the last two years I have spoken with many South Portland residents about the problems facing our city's schools. The importance of having experienced and qualified decision makers will be instrumental as we will be spending well over 100 million dollars on educational endeavors over the next three years. I am well qualified and feel that it is my duty to step forward and be willing to serve. Currently I am a key contributor that is responsible for ensuring appropriate sales, property and income taxation at LL Bean. Previously I have been a municipal and school employee responsible for developing and communicating budget requirements on behalf of executive staff, board members and citizens. Additionally I played a key role in operational and planning decisions, including facilitation of public meetings and hearings. I have considerable experience forming relationships with public officials, municipal employees, professional contractors and fellow citizens as a neighbor and a staff member. QUESTION #1) In Nov. 2007, city voters by a wide margin rejected a plan to borrow $56 million to build a new city high school. Now the Secondary Schools Facilities Committee is working on a plan for a new high school that would cost less money. The committee is still working out costs, but this proposal could be in the $40 million to $49 million range. The committee wants the bond proposal to go to voters in June. What is your position on replacing South Portland High School? KENDALL FASSETT RESPONSE - I think that there are some real needs when considering facilities that are used to provide an education to our community. However, I attended several meetings of the committee and do not have much faith in the product. I appreciate the time the committee members have put in and believe they are trying to do a great job. New schools do not come along every few years. This is a big decision and project that began with limited citizen input and not enough expert guidance. It has been going on for over three years now (If I am not mistaken) and closing in on $1,000,000 spent. I would like to see a peer review done on the work and would like to ask the citizens for their concerns, not limiting them to a few carefully crafted questions. QUESTION #2) If the City Council decides to ask voters to approve borrowing money to build a new high school, would you recommend that the council send that bond question to voters at a June election or at a general election in November, when more voters go to the polls? KENDALL FASSETT RESPONSE - Honestly I don't want to see this going to a vote until there has been due diligence. I would like to see an independent review that includes a couple of public hearings that are developed and facilitated by professionals. Board members may balk at spending $20,000 - $30,000 on more contractors. I think it would be a wise move. I would rather spend $30,000 to validate the "recommended" plan than save it and end up with a $5,000,000 regret In a $45,000,000 project. I think there are many good ideas to be offered by citizens to help hammer out a good plan. We need to have those conversations. An example is the idea of "phase" construction offered by a citizen at one of the hearings. I am not saying this is the answer or not. I simply would like to see ideas actually considered before reciting all the reasons why they won't work. If it does go to a vote, I would recommend it be in November to allow for greater participation. It will be more difficult to get approval, but if it is a good representation of our community values, the numbers will be there. Again, better to fail than be a $49,000,000 mistake. I am not concerned of the construction cost increase argument. I am not inclined to have fear of the unknown push me into a $49,000,000 construction project. QUESTION #3) Because of state revenue shortfalls due to the economy, schools districts around the state, may see a curtailment of state funding. In South Portland, the lack of funds could affect the current school budget and future budgets. How should the school board address these potential revenue reductions in the school budget? It may be time for some out of the box thinking. We need people who have expertise and can think creatively. There aren't likely any easy answers. I think that there are probably some great ideas in the heads of our own citizens. We just need to find them and be willing to ask and listen to any questions. My goal is to listen to the people and use my experience and expertise to help move us toward solid and defendable solutions.