On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate John Alexander
Mon, 06/11/2018 - 8:30am
Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for the Rockport Select Board, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. The candidate responses are posted as they are returned, and are collected on the Pilot’s June Town Meeting/Elections Resource Page.
Please provide a concise biography of yourself (some of you have already done so, but we would like to see where you grew up, your schooling and professional experience).
Born in the UK. Prior to moving to Rockport 25 years ago my career lead me to work with large organisations as a facilitator with a focus on creative prob!em solving and teamwork.
2) What are the 3 most pressing issues facing Rockport today, and how would you like to see them resolved?
There are no pressing issues but there are things we need to get done to ensure a vibrant future for our children and grandchildren.
1 Hi speed economical Broadband throughout the town
2. Get the Library project properly funded and built
3.Review and implement the town vision of the future and goal's
3) How will you protect the Rockport taxpayer as you shape and govern a municipal budget, and juggle various interests that request municipal funding throughout the year?
It Is hard for me to say because I have not been involved in developing the current budget. It will always have to be discussion and compromises have to be found. It is an impossible task to give everyone what they want and or need. But we can listen and work to find solutions that give the highest probably of success and opportunity for the town to run efficiently and to achieve stated goals
4) Should Rockport invest in a municipally-owned fiber network so that all residents have access to high-speed internet?
Yes, without question. The future depends on it. We should make every effort to make hi speed internet accessible for everyone at rates that are fair.
5) Do you support the construction of a new public library at 1 Limerock Street?
Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for the Rockport Select Board, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region.
There are three seats available on the Select Board: two three-year terms currently held by Owen Casas and Ken McKinley.
There is also a one two-year seat available, following the resignation of Tom Gray last winter.
Ken McKinley is seeking that seat.
The candidates are responding with their individual written answers.
Yes it should stay in the village. But it is up to the voters. The role of the select board is to implement to the will of the people. I hope the town approves the current plan and if not then we may have to re think the project.
6) How do you see Rockport positioned in the larger regional Midcoast economy?
The larger Midoast economy is not dependent on Rockport. We are part of it, but we are a small town and need to make an effort to continue to attract reasonable non intrusive tourism and encourage the employment opportunities that do not dramatically change the feel and nature of our community.
7) What municipal committee would you like to be a liaison to, and why?
I have been on the Planning Board for eight years and chairman for six. I have ensured the public meeting process is transparent and clarified a number legal issues that have gone in noticed for many years and will be happy to continue to contribute wherever it makes most sense.
8) Is Rockport's zoning adequate enough to sustain economic vitality and quality of life?
Rockport zoning works as is. Many people have worked hard over the years to develop a building code that is fair and protects our many assets.
9) Camden and Rockport now share a police chief and an assessor. Are there other cost-sharing arrangements that Rockport could do, with Camden or other towns, to spread the staffing responsibilities; e.g., share a planner? Public works director?
I think we should not share a Planning Director and or Public Works Director. It is not conducive to meeting the full time needs of Rockport. The job of the Select Board is to carefully weigh the requirements, seek advice from the Town Manager and find ways to balance conflicting needs. However, in the end voters will decide and the Select Board has to act accordingly.
10) How will you approach developing a vision and plan for the 4.5-acre RES site?
It needs a a different approach to public consultation. I would want to generate, with public input, 4 or 5 options and use a ranked choice voting system to get to a solution.
It needs a a different approach to public consultation. I would want to generate, with public input, 4 or 5 options and use a ranked choice voting system to get to a solution.
Overall the role of the Select board is to provide leadership. And while I may not agree with everyone I do promise to listen. I am a liberal independent in my thinking on social policy, while being conservative when it comes to budgets and tax payers money
My phone number is 207 837 0806 and my email address jainmaine@gmail.com in order that citizens may contact me directly to get my views on any subject.
I am also happy to meet directly with any and all town committees, volunteer groups to answer questions.
