David Andrews has formally announced his candidacy for Cape Elizabeth Town Council. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th.

Son of Howard and Marie Andrews, David landed in Cape as a young child in 1962 when, in search of better schools, his parents made the move from South Portland. Coming from modest means, his father worked three jobs to provide a better life for the family. “From a young age, my parents taught my sister and me to be honest, caring, hard working, and to have faith in God. Those values have guided me throughout life.”

David graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1977. He began his professional career digging ditches as a laborer for a small construction company for five years before returning to school to earn a degree in drafting technology. Upon graduation, he worked as a draftsman and then a designer. His career took off from there, taking jobs as an engineer, contracts manager, and project manager.

Through years of hard work and dedication, David eventually became the Director of numerous multi-billion dollar engineering and construction projects throughout the world. He was responsible for over 10,000 professional and trade employees in Peru, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other countries in Asia and Africa.

With his wife Sharalyn, David returned to their home in Cape upon retirement. Two days a week you’ll find him at Fort Williams mowing lawns part-time for the town, having truly come full circle. He is passionate about our community and is fully committed to maintaining its open spaces and quality of life.

David is also deeply concerned about Maine’s escalating costs of living, and more specifically, the cost of living here in Cape. “A large segment of our town, particularly seniors and young families, are cost-burdened,” he states. “Their financial struggles are real, and their poignant stories play a huge factor in my decision to run for a seat on our Town Council. As great as Cape’s needs are, those needs must be approached in a thoughtful, fiscally responsible manner.”

That core belief drives David’s pragmatic approach, evidenced by his service on Cape’s School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC). A member of the majority who voted for a more affordable renovation-based approach, he believes that November’s school bond referendum is simply too expensive and therefore likely to be defeated. “One of the SBAC’s primary goals was to deliver a proposal that the voters could afford so it could pass. While an affordable option won’t be on November’s ballot, I do believe we’ll get there soon.”

To that end, David recognizes the importance of the Council’s role as an independent check on the School Board – and vice versa. “While some see differences of opinion between the two bodies as problematic, it’s actually a healthy part of the process,” he explains. “Rubber stamps are of course harmonious, but they produce horrible results for the community. Honest, constructive debate is a good thing, and most often leads to compromise and positive outcomes.”

A lifelong problem-solver, David is prepared to add his voice to a Council that is willing to understand, respect, and work through differing viewpoints. He intends to model a collaborative, pragmatic approach in order to finally resolve the school building issue. “Cape’s voters are justifiably frustrated with the lack of resolution on this matter. They’ve been extremely clear about what they can and cannot afford, and feel ignored by a nearly $2 million process that so far seems to favor a well-organized and vocal minority.”

David looks forward to representing the broader community on the other prominent local issues as well, including addressing Cape’s small business climate. “Cape hasn’t been known for being friendly to our small businesses as of late. We’re finally moving in the right direction, but there’s plenty of work to be done.”

His views on residential zoning issues are clear, too. “Cape is a warm and welcoming community. We simply oppose the idea of building large apartment complexes and making zoning changes that would threaten Cape’s rural character. And we are passionate about protecting our natural treasures, Fort Williams first and foremost.”

Finally, David is thrilled to see the Town Council race shaping up as one based on the issues. “Most candidates are publicly sharing their positions on the proposed school bond and other important local issues,” he states. “This election is an important one for Cape Elizabeth. I hope each voter will dedicate some time to review our positions and vote for the three Council candidates whose visions most align with their own.

I would be honored to earn the support of our voters, and humbled to again have the opportunity to serve our amazing community.”