In a Sept. 24 news release, Rockland City Council member Nicole Kalloch said she will run again for office.

“During my time on council and as Mayor, I am proud to have worked with my fellow councilors and our hardworking city staff to strengthen Rockland’s future and to increase economic opportunity for all Rockland residents, while protecting city taxpayers, especially seniors and those in our community already facing hardship,” said  Kalloch, in the release. “Over the past few years, we’ve worked to invest in our city infrastructure and public safety, modernize our city code to make it easier to build affordable housing, and prioritize urgent issues such as housing, stormwater, and our working waterfront.

“I am excited to run for reelection as I believe we are making good progress on strengthening Rockland, improving our infrastructure and city services, increasing affordable housing options, and supporting working families, all in a fiscally responsible way. There is significant work to do to maintain Rockland’s leadership in the Midcoast and I look forward to building on this work and continuing to serve the people of our great city."

 She outlined accomplishments that she said she has helped advance over the past few years:

 Improving City Infrastructure: Stormwater, Roads and Sidewalks, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, and City-Owned Property and Facilities

"Working with our city staff, we addressed long-standing, deferred city maintenance and priorities including significant investments in fixing the Lindsey Brook and the ongoing threat to property in and along the Brook as demonstrated by recent storms," she said. "While this work will take time to finalize design, permits, and ultimately construct, we are finally implementing a solution to the over 100-year challenges faced by the Lindsey Brook and property owners in our city.

"Helped the city pass a Stormwater bond that provides the city the resources and funding to improve stormwater infrastructure.

"Helped the city pass a Roads and Sidewalks bond that provides the city the resources and funding to fix roads and sidewalks throughout the city, many of which have been long overdue for improvements.

"Supported the city’s efforts to pursue and secure federal earmark funding that will enable the redesign and future reconstruction of harbor park and upgrades to the working waterfront, including more resilient harbor infrastructure.

"Supported the city's efforts to pursue and secure federal earmark funding to address the structural integrity of our Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.

"Prioritized assessing and improving city-owned properties and facilities. Started the process of upgrading our Public Works building and City Hall, all that will improve city services, efficiency, and save costs in years to come.

Prioritizing Housing – Creating opportunities for affordable and workforce housing 

"As mayor, prioritized the creation of affordable and accessible housing, an issue that has been on every council agenda, via ordinance amendments and city workshops

"Implemented a series of housing policies, updating city code in alignment with new state requirements.

"Remove barriers to housing including the deregulation of parking requirements and outdated code, increasing housing opportunities and affordability.

"All these efforts combined have helped lead to a dynamic environment, where state housing policy experts and practitioners view Rockland as a leader in advancing housing, with 70-plus units of affordable housing under construction and the prospects of many more to come in the future."

Protecting Rockland Taxpayers

"Kept municipal taxes at 0 percent increase for two consecutive years, providing tax relief to Rockland residents, especially our seniors and those already facing hardship

"Provided fiscal responsible leadership in prioritizing and maintaining city budgets that did not raise municipal taxes, even during a time of high inflation, while making investments in improving city services and infrastructure (i.e. bonds for roads, sidewalks; support for Rockland youth (i.e. a new School Resource Officer); strengthening city departments (i.e. investments in public safety and making our Sustainability Coordinator a full-time position)."

Rockland - Renewed as a Coast Guard City

"Helped secure the 5-year renewal of Rockland as a Coast Guard City

"Led efforts to reconstitute and reenergize Rockland’s Coast Guard Committee to enable the city to continue to be a welcoming home for our Coast Guard community."

Strengthening Public and Pedestrian Safety

"Worked with our police and fire chiefs to invest in public safety personnel and resources. For the first time in many years, both departments are fully staffed.

"Worked with Rockland Police Chief Carroll on promising interventions with Rockland youth including community-oriented policing, mentorship, and other positive youth development.

"Supported the fire chief in upgrading the fire fleet and resources to pursue a new fire truck

"Prioritized efforts to improve pedestrian safety via implementing the Complete Streets policy that will ensure future upgrades to roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure prioritize safety for all methods of transit.

"Worked with Public Works to respond to citizen concerns about safety and traffic calming measures.

Restoring and Maintaining Civility

"Provided leadership on council to achieve a well-functioning, collaborative council, grounded in mutual respect, teamwork, and focused on addressing the challenges facing Rockland residents

Strengthening partnerships with community organizations 

"Supported efforts to partner with the Maine Lobster Festival and helped negotiate the land swap to strengthen the future of Harbor Park;

"Worked closely with Rockland Main Street on community and economic vibrancy initiatives in our downtown, including support for our small businesses and cultural events and programming;

"Led the development of new guidelines for charitable donations that provide support to AIO, Soup Kitchen, and other important nonprofits;

"Supported Rockland Rotary in their community efforts to build the all-inclusive playground at MacDougal Park; and,

"Helped secure more reliable funding for Rockland District Nursing Association"

 A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in international business and logistics, Kalloch manages Sierra Peaks, a manufacturing plant on Pleasant Street in Rockland, and also oversees accounting for her husband’s contracting business, J.K. Kalloch.