Biographical information
Name:
John T. Spruill Jr
Office Sought:
Auburn City Council, at large
Home Street Address:
10 Aron Dr.
Campaign Phone Number:
207 240-1870
Campaign Email Address:
jtsauburn@gmail.com
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Auburnsfuture/512328418837011
Twitter Account:
@auburnsfuture
YouTube Channel:
please visit my website, www.auburnsfuture.com
Occupation or primary source of income:
Human Resource Professional and Auburn substitute teacher
Education:
Master of Science, Human Resource Management and Development, Chapman University; Bachelor of Arts Political Science, University of Southern Maine
Family:
Happily married to Paula for 28 years with 2 adopted sons Cory and Caleb and our dog Chloe and cat Ellie.
Public offices sought or held?
I have served as a Councilor-at-Large in Auburn and also as the Mayor’s Rep on the Auburn School Board
Civic organizations:
Ice breakers
What is your favorite food?
BBQ Pork Ribs!
What is your favorite movie?
“The Sound of Music.”
What is your favorite book?
“The Audacity of Hope.”
What is the best political advice you have received?
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem
What Maine political figure do you admire most?
I admire Olympia Snowe because she stuck to her moral convictions and was willing to leave office rather than compromise them.
Local politics
What has Mayor Jonathan LaBonte done during the past two years that you agree with? What has he done that you disagree with?
Mayor Labonte’ has focused attention on the socio-economic disparity that is developing in Auburn neighborhoods and how it is changing the dynamics in Auburn. He has not supported the citizen’s effort to explore consolidation with Lewiston, which I support.
What has the city council done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?
I strongly disagreed with the decision not to fund the Balloon Festival, limit operations of the fire station, and curtail recycling. I agree with their decision to fund these when more funds became available
What has the city manager and the city staff done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?
The City Manager and Staff has done a tremendous job managing the city with limited (and in my opinion inadequate) resources. I will not fault them for their efforts.
What has the school committee done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?
The School Committee proposed what I felt was a reasonable budget, but did a poor job explaining to the impact of state cuts, the effect of inflation, and other factors that drove the budget increase to the public. I disagree with the decision to stick with Mac’s. I strongly agree with the efforts to redesign education to the individual and move away from a age/grade based system and focus instead on individualized learning including input, accountability and responsibility from the student.
What is your solution for Auburn’s high school?
As I believe we should consolidate with Lewiston, I don’t think we should build anything without looking at the consolidation. As a concept, I strongly support co-locating with the Middle School. As a person who grew up with a co-located middle and high school, I know from first hand experience the educational benefits. Co-location also melds well with the individualized learning that is being implemented this year and creates greater options.
Any last words?
I believe Auburn needs leadership with a vision. We have cut to the bone for too many years.When there is no muscle, there is no movement. We cannot afford to sit still. We must invest in our future and be willing to sacrifice some in order to make that future happen. Our generation must be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of our society with the same resolve that past generations sacrificed for our freedom. Other countries have kicked the door down are are moving in. We cannot blame them for wanting better for themselves, but not at our expense. We must do better than stay competitive if we want to lead. Let’s roll up our sleeve’s at get to work!
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- John Spruill, candidate for Auburn City Council at large
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