Kate Snyder is the Mayor of Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state. Ms. Snyder also served on the Portland Board of Public Education (2007-2013) where she served two years as Finance Chair and two years as Chair of the Board.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Ms. Snyder helped to found, and then worked as the Executive Director of the Foundation for Portland Public Schools from 2014-2019, a non-profit with the mission to generate philanthropic support for Portland Public Schools.

Before the Foundation for Portland Public Schools, Ms. Snyder worked in the private sector for Zylo Media, a Portland, Maine-based digital media startup. She also worked in Augusta during Governor John Baldacci’s administration as the Executive Director for the Board of Corrections.
Ms Snyder. holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Government and French from Skidmore College, a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Management, and a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Applied Research and Evaluation Methods from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.

Snyder has served as a Board Member for Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, the Portland Parks Conservancy, and Portland Tomorrow. She recently completed a leadership development course with Maine Network Partners.

 

President Bruce Jones rang us in, and Mike Fortunato opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. Mike returned from a trip to Italy but gave way to Paul Tully, who provided words of wisdom.  Paul talked about his trip to Italy on an 8-day bike trip.  Paul reminded the club that life is not about the destination, but the journey. Promise Scholar: Roxane Cole provided introductions to friend Corey Hascall, Vice President of the University of Southern Maine Foundation.  Corey was joined by rising junior and Promise Scholar, Don Dilimini. The Portland Rotary Club provides funds to support the Promise Scholarship – a scholarship that depends on the generosity of Rotarians. USM’s unique Promise Scholarship program supports up to 100 scholars every year – 25 new students annually – and pairs targeted financial aid with comprehensive wrap-around services that support the success of limited-income, first-generation Maine students who are referred by youth-serving organizations throughout the state. Since the program began in 2018, Promise has awarded more than $1 million in direct student aid to 108 students representing 42 high schools in each of Maine’s 16 counties. The scholarship is designed to enable students to graduate in four years with minimal to no debt and engage in high-impact experiences that are key to successfully navigating a college degree and developing critical skills essential to career success.

Cynthia Dill, a renowned civil rights lawyer and former Maine state senator, was the guest speaker at today's Rotary meeting, where she focused on the contentious Dunham Court project in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Dill began by offering a brief history of the Dunham Court project, a proposed $13.5 million apartment building that has sparked local controversy due to its intent to reserve most of its units for individuals making below the area median income. She emphasized her role in leading the petition drive against the project, seeking to strike down the council's decision to make zoning changes to the town center district that would have allowed the project to move forward.

 

During her address, Dill expressed her concerns about the project, stating that it did not align with Cape Elizabeth’s comprehensive plan and was unsuitable for families due to the proposed unit layouts. She described her vision for affordable housing in the town, arguing that it should reflect the community's values and meet the needs of local families and the workforce.

 

Dill was critical of the Dunham Court project, characterizing it as an attempt to exploit public subsidies to maximize corporate profits rather than genuinely provide affordable housing. She emphasized that public policy should prioritize public needs over corporate interests and that any development should work within existing rules to create housing that reflects community values.

 

Despite the controversy, Dill reiterated her belief in the viability of "community housing" as a form of affordable housing best suited for Cape Elizabeth. She expressed her commitment to using local public resources to meet local public needs and creating a neighborhood of truly affordable housing.

 

In closing, Dill encouraged audience members to stay engaged in local politics and public policy discussions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Cape Elizabeth.

Bill Ross, our RYLA chair, (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is letting us know of  some great volunteer opportunities at the upcoming RYLA Camp Registration day, Sunday, June 25th,  7:30a-10a, Camp Hinds, Raymond, Maine. The program is dedicated to developing the next generation of talented leaders. Rotary District 7780's RYLA serves rising juniors from seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine. Volunteer duties will include welcoming students, registering them, directing luggage, selling BBQ tickets, and potentially helping with the intake of meds.  Part Two is an invitation to join in the final night Campfire on Tuesday, June 27th, 6:30p-7:30p for dinner, and 8-10p for the campfire. Bring a flashlight! 105 campers are already registered, so help is appreciated. Click to email Bill Ross!  RYLA Website, Click Here. 

June 16, Bill Nemitz, Acquisition of Portland Press Herald and Sun Journal

June 23,  President Bruce Jones Farewell Address

June 29, Thursday Night Social

June 30, No Meeting