CAMDEN — While the majority of Camden Select Board members expressed interest in establishing a set of written civic values, they hesitated on approving what had been submitted to them June 20. Instead, the board agreed to send the matter to the Camden Economic Community Development Committee and invite other town committees and boards to weigh in. CEDAC meets this afternoon, June 25, at 4 p.m. to talk about its own initiative to make Camden possibly, “become the most sustainable town in Maine,” as reflected in the April 24 CEDAC minutes. 

At the June 20 meeting of the Select Board, they heard from Judy Gove and Frannie Wheeler-Berta, who proposed a municipal resolution inspired by San Francisco’s affirmation committing to values of inclusivity, respect, and dignity. 

The Camden initiative arose amongst a group of residents, who then gathered signatures from more than 30 business owners and 300 Camden citizens, who attached their names to the Camden Statement of Civic Values. They were written as follows:

Whereas Camden is a home to and destination for people from all over the world and a community whose economy and wellbeing depends on mutual respect and the health of our environment.

Camden is therefore resolved to respect the dignity of all people, promote civil discourse, and honor diversity in all forms, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, ability, class, sexuality, and gender identification/expression. We will work to make our community a place where people feel safe in their homes, on the streets, in our schools, and within the community at large.

Camden is therefore further resolved to protect the environment, foster renewable resources, diminish reliance on fossil fuels, reduce waste, promote local farms and fisheries, and preserve the beauty of our region and the health of the population through local action.

Since the first of the year, two other Midcoast towns, Rockland and Appleton, signed resolutions similar in scope, and others have been considering their own:

Appleton resolves to respect dignity of all people, promote civil discourse, honor diversity

Rockland passes Healthy Community Resolve; Mayor Clayton explains his dissenting vote

Belfast group urged to refine city tolerance resolve

While the Camden Select Board on June 20 were supportive of the intent, as Gove characterized it as a, “broad picture of common values we share and sends a message of hope and hospitality,” they wanted to invite more opinions.

“I think it speaks for itself,” said Ratner, and suggested the Watershed School student effort to write a local Paris Accord.

“I love it, I think it is beautifully written,” said board member Alison McKellar. “I think it arepresents my values.”

But, she added, she wanted the process to be more inclusive and proposed using the town’s website to gather public comment. 

“think that it is a great idea to get more public input,” said Gove.

Board member Robert Falciani said the effort needed to go further thatn words, and manifest with action. 

Gove said: “A lot of people are very interested in getting involved and work on issues and concerns we have.”

Board member Jenna Lookner suggesting gathering the voices of committees and residents, “who care about making Camden a welcoming community.”

The Select Board spoke briefly about sending the matter to the CEDAC meeting, which will be held this afternoon, 4 p.m., in the Washington Street Meeting Room, and then to reconvene in August concerning the proposed civic values.

After the meeting, Camden Community Development Director Karen Brace said the CEDAC meeting would be focusing on sustainability, with other board and committee chairmen and chairwomen invited to the discussion.

Brace said CEDAC would not specifically address the civic values but the topic would arise during conversation.

The CEDAC agenda is as follows:

Agenda

1) Welcome

2) Approval of May 22, 2017 Minutes

3) Discussion on current Sustainability projects in Camden with committee chairpeople of:
Camden Conservation Commission – Roger Rittmaster
Energy Committee – Anita Brosius-Scott
Harbor Committee – Richard Stetson
Parks and Recreation – Ray Andresen
Pathways Committee – Geoff Scott
Snow Bowl Four-Seasons Committee – Morgan Laidlaw

5) Preparation for new Town Manager, Audra Caler-Bell

6) Topics for next meeting

7) Other

8) Public Comments/Questions

Next Meeting Date – July 24, 4pm

Adjourn

CEDAC Mission: Enhance the vitality of the year-round local community and region in a manner that considers Camden's unique cultural and historic character; promote, encourage, and facilitate the development of responsible business growth and entrepreneurship; and actively work to strengthen and retain existing businesses.

CEDAC Vision: Build and sustain a vital, multi-generational, year-round community that will continue to retain and attract citizens and businesses, including young and creative individuals, to live and work in our town and our region.

Projects & Priorities for 2017:
Use for properties at 162 Camden St and 121 Elm St

Potential new incubator space

Camden Snow Bowl – 4-season development

Public Landing (support role with Downtown Network Board)

High-speed internet

Housing for workforce and young families.