Carmona supports Civic Center bond measure
Filed under: Campaign Trail, Photos, Portland Issues
The Cumberland County Civic Center needs updating to continue making money and providing cultural and entertainment opportunities for the city. (Ralph Carmona photo)
Portland, MAINE (August 13, 2011) – Today, Ralph Carmona became the first Portland mayoral candidate to publicly support the $33 million civic center bond measure that will be on the November ballot.
“This general obligation bond effort could not come at a better time. The window of opportunity in a deflationary economy — with bottomed-out interest rates and unprecedented low requests for proposals (RFPs) from construction companies could not be better.
“And to the greater end, this means more jobs, increased revenue and better quality of life for Portland residents.
“The Civic Center is a proven success that generates $12 million to $15 million annually to the Portland economy. It will keep on giving and pay for itself all the more if we make these improvements. And if present estimates are fully realized, there will be no county tax increase.
“With greater access for more diverse shows, more restrooms for women, and legal access for the disabled, it will add to the entertainment center’s attendance and quality of life for those coming to Portland and be a boom for surrounding non-profit efforts and restaurants in the area.
“The bottom line is that this has been a moneymaker for six of the last seven years. With improvements, the estimated income after expenses will be over $1 million annually. Without these changes, the center will become a losing proposition facing lost revenue and potential lawsuits for failing to meet federal mandates like the Americans for Disability Act.
“The innovations from the bond measure will add to the diversity and affordability of entertainment that is provided by Hadlock Field, the Exposition Center, Merrill Auditorium, the State Theater and Thompson’s point project. And two-thirds of Portland voters and surrounding business owners I have talked with strongly support this endeavor. Without it, there will not be a place with the kind of entertainment capacity (6,500) that the outdated 34 year-old Civic Center provide. About half-million people visit the Civic Center annually and the five hotels and 65 restaurants surrounding it will benefit more from this renovation.
“The retirement of the Cumberland County jail bond will mean a $2 million decrease in county expenses that could be applied to the renovation project. It will certainly add jobs and stimulate growth for Portland’s economy. This is not a spending cut, fiscal deficit spending or inflating effort. It is a stimulant for a revenue-maker that is becoming an embarrassing eye sore for our city. Too much media attention has been focused on the Portland Pirates hockey team’s support for this renovation and how it will affect their stay here in Portland. But the reality is that the team provides only 35 percent of the entertainment activity at the center.
“Former Portland City Manager and past trustee of the Cumberland County Civic Center, John Menario, is right when he says the ultimate quality of life that the Center provides is an affordable venue for those Portlanders who cannot afford to go to Boston or New York. ‘If you want to know quality of life,” he emphasized to me recently, ‘it is on the smiles of those children who get that opportunity to see events like Sesame Street Live. Those smiles are priceless.’”
Thanks Tim!
Filed under: Articles about Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Portland Issues
My Munjoy Hill neighbors are great people. Just look at this letter Tim Baehr wrote to the Press Herald:
Did the mayoral race get “serious” only after Ethan Strimling’s entry into the vast field of candidates? (“Greg Kesich: Portland mayoral race gets serious with Strimling’s entry,” July 27)
OK, Strimling has a high profile, for good or ill. And it’s hard to pay attention to a field of – what – 19? Oh – Strimling is bringing a sense of “drama” to the race, as if things won’t get dramatic enough as November rolls around and specific plans and promises of all the candidates emerge.
Right now, Strimling seems to have just one major plank in his platform: “(E)conomic development is the key to everything. Once you do that, all your other problems go away.” Really? All our problems?
I’ve been observing one candidate who has a broader approach. (Full disclosure: he lives downstairs from me.) Ralph Carmona has been walking the city, rain or (100-degree) shine, getting almost all the required nomination signatures himself and knocking on over 800 doors so far. I’ve seen him at the Wednesday farmer’s market listening to — not just talking to — people who disagreed with him. He may not win everyone over to his views, but they’ll know he listens.
With his academic background in political science, practical background in industry and political organizing, and personal background as someone who can truly bring people together, Ralph can lead already-great Portland to new heights in livability, economic development, education and national prominence.
Don’t take my word for it. Watch and listen. You’ll find that Ralph is the real deal.
Naturally, I’m flattered — but I’m also working hard to live up to the high standards needed to be worthy of such praise. If you think I’m doing a good job, why not write a letter to the editor yourself? And if you think there’s more I can be doing, or if you have questions about the issues or my campaign, I hope you’ll talk to me directly.
Fourth of July, Eastern Promenade
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Photos, Portland Issues, Videos
Photos by Alejandro Albiar-Carmona
Walking and meeting with 4th of July voters was a way of sharing my “Portland of the Rise” message and how it is integral to the Declaration of Independence ideal of “pursuit of happiness.”
In my many conversations, voters I talked with indicated that they wanted change and a leadership for a “Portland on the Rise.” They expressed support for my desire to have Portland make greater changes and respond aggressively and decisively to the challenges we face.
Newly-naturalized citizens were especially moved by my immigrant sensibility and support for civil rights.
Sitting on their porch, younger voters wanted to know how I was going to bring jobs. One, in particular, lost his job as a school teacher; another wants to go into teaching. I emphasized that the greatest investment we can make is in a public school and that we need to increase local revenue to make those kinds of investments with proposals like the Thompson’s Point project — 1300 jobs and $26 million in revenue. They liked my research in public schooling and 20 years of higher education background.
I also met with one well-established Maine voter who, after listening to me, concluded she would support me because “You are respectful of tradition and respectful of people.”
Conservative and business-oriented voters like the idea that I was a Democrat who believed in revenue growth and that working with business means to a future Portland. Many folks had just arrived and not yet registered. I urged them to register ASAP, gave them my cell number and website (flyer) and shared my “Portland on the Rise” message.
I’m proud to say that a number of voters said: “you’ve got my vote!”
Many voters working, for the first time, to encourage July 4th visitors to recycle their waste, were interested in my 15 years of working as a leading executive for America’s 6th largest publicly-owned electricity utility. After hearing of my involvement on issues of global warming, recycling, renewable and efficient energy, they were very supportive.
One voter challenged me on how I would work with business and bring more revenue to Portland. He expressed support after hearing me say that I lobbied for the biggest bank in the world and am dismayed by its failure to add value to America in ways that lead to near global financial collapse. He was impressed that I know how business people engage in public policy and would be Portland’s chief lobbyist in Augusta and Washington DC.
Of those I talked with, only one mentioned another candidate in the race. For all others, it was the first time they met and talked with a mayoral candidate.
One lady and her husband said they were lifelong Democrats and were delighted to hear I was a 21-year-old McGovern delegate at the Democratic National Convention. They said they would support me. Another couple said it was time to get rid of the ceremonial mayor and elected a mayor with leadership. They said they would not vote for any established past or present elected official.
I’m proud to be part of this great nation and this great city. You’ll see me around town in the weeks to come, and I hope you’ll take a moment to share your vision for Portland with me.
And if you have a moment, take a look at Alejandro’s photos in this slide show:
Campaign Kickoff Speech
Filed under: Campaign Trail, Videos
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Carmona for Mayor
P.O. Box 15111
Portland, ME 04112-
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