District 4: Janice E. Tevanian

Your Top Three Priorities

1 Effective, efficient, responsive implementation of services, programs
2 Equity & fairness in the implementation of services, programs
3 Equity & fairness in the distribution of the tax burden

Please list prior applicable experience:

Professional background in public administration. Master’s Degree in Public Administration, University of Maine-Orono. Project Manager for the International City/County Management (ICMA) Association, Washington, DC. Private consultant for 10 years, managing development of training courses in fire and emergency management for the National Emergency Management Training Center. Currently, Manager of Educational Services for the Maine Municipal Association. Member of the City of Portland Planning Board since 2003, Chair of the Board in 2008.

What do you hope to accomplish as part of the commission?

As a member of the Commission, I intend to participate in a comprehensive review, discussion and analysis of the existing charter to determine what changes, if any, will result in improving the City’s ability to accomplish the three top priorities I identified above.

What do you see as issues within the current structure of city government?

Our current council/manager form of government is an appropriate structure for the City of Portland. I am looking forward to analyzing how a change in the present structure would or would not improve the City’s ability to accomplish the three priorities listed above.

What are you thoughts on the 1986 charter report? What prior issues would be the most helpful for the current Commission to consider?

The 1986 charter report is a thorough one. Although it didn’t change the structure of Portland’s government, it represents a thorough consideration of the issues. I believe that, after 23 years, and in response to citizen desire to do so as expressed at the polls, it is appropriate to look at the issues associated with the City charter again.

What other city charters have you examined? How would it inform your approach to analyzing our city’s charter?

I am in the process of reviewing the charters of Maine local governments which have an elected mayor (specifically, Westbrook and Auburn). An analysis of how those communities with an elected mayor are better able to accomplish the priorities I’ve listed is the most helpful in the Commissions consideration of changes to Portland’s charter.

Would you support an elected mayor? If no, why not?

I intend to consider the merits of an elected mayor based on hearing public input, engaging in constructive discussion as a member of the Commission and considering other public information.

What parts of the current city charter do you feel are antiquated?

None, particularly.

Would you consider re-districting the City of Portland? Why and how?

I certainly would consider re-districting if public input, discussion among the Charter Commission and other public information warrant consideration of re-districting.

Would you modify the current relationship between the school committee and city council?

I’m not inclined to support modification, although if there are significant proposed changes in the city charter, there may be a parallel need to examine the current relationship and structure. Again, any change would have to be driven by compelling public input and Charter Commission discussion.

What role do you think the charter commission should play to educate the public on changes made to the city charter?

Charter Commission discussion is public and available to the news media. It is the role of the Commission to analyze, discuss and take public comment on the charter, ultimately recommending changes to the voters. I would hope that there is adequate news media reporting and analysis of Commission proceedings to educate the public on the relevant issues and help inform their votes for or against accepting the Commission’s recommendations.

What role is the charter commission for public engagement during the process of re-examining the charter?

The charter Commission is a catalyst for engaging the public in the process of examining the charter.

What else would you like to add?

I am looking forward to this unique opportunity to shape local government in Portland. It could affect us for several decades, so we must consider our direction carefully. If we make changes to the existing structure, we ought to feel confident that the changes will result in local government that is responsive to the needs of all residents.