The following question was sent to all Town Council and School Board candidates. In answering this question, we gave candidates the opportunity to be considered for endorsement by the Cape Dems, regardless of political affiliation due to the nonpartisan nature of municipal elections.

The 2024 Maine Democratic Platform outlines the core values of the party and the key issues its candidates are dedicated to addressing. These include safeguarding democracy, advancing women’s reproductive rights, protecting civil liberties and social justic, ensuring safe and affordable housing as a human right, supporting high-quality, accessible public education, and preserving Maine’s natural resources while planning for the challenges of climate change.

How do your personal values align with those of the Democratic Party, and if elected, how would you work to advance these priorities in Cape Elizabeth?

P. Joy Engel

Candidate for School Board

There are few things more important than safeguarding public education -- it is a public good. The successes of our schools is a reflection on our town and our values. Preparing the next generation of Americans for the challenges they will face is not just the responsibility of parents but of the whole community. It's on all of us to make Cape schools as strong as possible. 

Our schools must be equitable and inclusive, where teachers feel supported and students feel safe and nurtured. If elected to the school board I will champion initiatives that incorporate environmental education and promote sustainability in our schools. Preparing students to be conscientious stewards of the environment is essential for their future.