Robert Mennealy, Ward 1, Auburn School Committee

BIO

Name: Robert Mennealy, age 67

Office sought: Auburn School Committee, Ward 1 which includes East Auburn and Washburn school, Lake Auburn area. Mennealy is unopposed

Occupation: Retired, former business manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, and master’s degree from University of Maine at Orono

Family: Married, wife is Pinky Amor, two grown children

Political experience: three-term city councilor

Questions:

1. Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this seat, and why are you running?

I am running for the School Committee because I think it will be challenging and a pleasure to be part of the planning for the new high school that Auburn has longed for and so deeply deserves.

2. What do you like, and what don’t you like, about the school budget passed in the spring? ($41.75 million in Auburn, up by $1 million; $74.3 million in Lewiston, up by $5.5 million)

I like that the budget passed was generally neutral. It was appropriately sized.

3. When it comes to property taxes, what kind of budget would you support this spring?

I would favor a budget that is neutral to most property taxes, a budget that does not raise property taxes.

4. What, to you, is the biggest issue facing Lewiston or Auburn schools, and how would you like to see it addressed?

The School Department’s proposal of extending half-days Wednesday to grades 7-12, that was the most controversial last year. It would have forced parents to find new day care, child care and work arrangements. I would want to make sure that parents are included in the decision making.

5. Do you support the merger of Lewiston and Auburn?

No.

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