Pressure's on to reverse school vote
Portland Press Herald, April 9, 2008
(excerpt) City and state officials are pressuring three Portland city councilors to reconsider votes that killed a plan to build a new elementary school using $19.6 million in state aid.
They say the councilors -- David Marshall, Kevin Donoghue and Mayor Edward Suslovic -- not only defeated the Ocean Avenue project, but also jeopardized future state funding for a host of school building projects that the city cannot afford.
"It sends an unfortunate mixed message about Portland's needs," said House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland. "School building needs across the state are severe. It would be a while before Portland would be eligible for school funding again."
The three councilors defend their positions and say they won't change their votes unless there are significant changes in a project that's been in the works for three years.
Their stated concerns include the location of the new school, the long-term cost of the project and the lack of a comprehensive plan for school facilities. "There are too many unanswered questions," Suslovic said Tuesday.
The council surprised many when the school project failed Monday on a 6-3 vote; it takes seven votes to authorize bond issues. The state would reimburse the money.
(excerpt) City and state officials are pressuring three Portland city councilors to reconsider votes that killed a plan to build a new elementary school using $19.6 million in state aid.
They say the councilors -- David Marshall, Kevin Donoghue and Mayor Edward Suslovic -- not only defeated the Ocean Avenue project, but also jeopardized future state funding for a host of school building projects that the city cannot afford.
"It sends an unfortunate mixed message about Portland's needs," said House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland. "School building needs across the state are severe. It would be a while before Portland would be eligible for school funding again."
The three councilors defend their positions and say they won't change their votes unless there are significant changes in a project that's been in the works for three years.
Their stated concerns include the location of the new school, the long-term cost of the project and the lack of a comprehensive plan for school facilities. "There are too many unanswered questions," Suslovic said Tuesday.
The council surprised many when the school project failed Monday on a 6-3 vote; it takes seven votes to authorize bond issues. The state would reimburse the money.
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