When P.J. and I decided to leave New Jersey 11 years ago, Maine quickly became our aspiration.  While the inland lakes and mountain regions were vacation spots for both families, the coast seemed more appealing.  The beauty of our Penobscot Bay region and the vastness of the Gulf of Maine are humbling, and there is a certain joy and peace that are captivating.  The journey that brought us to Maine was one of finding greater meaning to our lives, and we found it in Rockland.  And in those eleven years, Rockland has become home.

For those of you who don’t know, I am the youngest of seven children born to first generation immigrant parents.  Dad’s family came from Lithuania, Mom’s from Italy.  By the time I came along, the family was living in a small town in northern New Jersey where Mom was a housewife and Dad owned a small garage/gas station.  I am blessed to have been born into this family as I learned many invaluable lessons in life from it.  It has not always been pretty.  But, I am loved and I am grateful.

Grandpa Isganitis settled in northeast Pennsylvania where he found work in the coal mines 100 years ago.  Dad was one of 12 children.  Both of my parents’ families lived in poverty in Europe, so America was their dream, the place where dreams come true.  Rockland is this place for PJ and me.

While my Dad’s dream of owning his own garage came true, it was not a happy ending.  His business failed in the late 1960s forcing them to borrow money from family friends to pay off creditors, and forcing Mom to go to work taking a job as a second shift bookkeeper.  During that time, they were tag team parents as Dad would work an 8-5 shift and Mom a 4-11 shift.  They never gave up and everyone chipped in.  I learned a lot from my family about perseverance and what it means to put individual wants, needs and desires aside for a greater good.

My family was my first experience in community.  As you’ve heard me say, I love this word!  I see two words, “Common Unity.”  To me, that translates to the idea that values, aspirations and ideals that are shared should unite us in purpose and cause.  It has never been my intent nor is it my place to impose my vision on our City or decide who should be welcomed to come to our city.  Rather, I have worked diligently through committee and chamber work in of support the 2002 Comprehensive Plan which Rockland developed as its vision, and “Common Unity” has remained in the forefront of my mind serving Rockland the past three years on City Council. 

Our life in Maine is a modern day American dream.  Rockland is the place that has welcomed us like family.  A place where we live openly and proud of who we are and as a couple, and no one gives it a second thought.  Rockland is a place that taught us more lessons about community.  I am grateful for all we’ve received and been able to give in return.  We cherish our house and our community.  It has been my honor and privilege to serve Rockland, and I hope you will give me the opportunity to continue in service with your vote on November 3.

Frank Isganitis is mayor of the Rockland City Council and lives in Rockland.