Wow, time flies! It’s been about four months since I was elected to the Bangor City Council, and I have to admit, keeping up with this blog has definitely taken a backseat. My apologies for that! But I’m back, and I’m eager to reconnect with all of you. It’s a bit surreal, honestly, to now be part of the very system I used to critique and hold accountable on this blog. I’m keenly aware of that shift, and I’m committed to maintaining the same level of transparency and accountability I advocated for as a resident. As you know, transparency is paramount to me, and I know it’s important to you as well. I truly appreciate this opportunity to share this journey with you, as we all work together to make Bangor the best community it can be.
First, a disclaimer. Everything on this website, including this post, are my own thoughts. I do not speak for the Bangor City Council as a whole, nor do I speak for City of Bangor.
To get us started, I’d like to address some of the most common questions I’ve been hearing since taking office. I’m always happy to share my experiences with you, and I genuinely welcome your questions – anytime. So, let’s dive right in!
What are the main responsibilities of the Bangor City Council?
That’s a great question, and to understand my role, it’s helpful to know that Bangor has a council-manager form of government. Think of the City Council as the Board of Directors, setting the strategic vision and policies for the city. The City Manager, in this analogy, is our CEO, responsible for executing those policies and managing the daily operations. Importantly, the City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council, much like a CEO or Executive Director is selected and overseen by a board. The City Manager brings proposals and the city’s operational needs to the Council, just as a CEO presents to the Board. As a Councilor, my role, along with the eight other members, is to carefully evaluate these proposals against our city’s resources and long-term goals, and then provide clear strategic direction to the City Manager.
A significant portion of our time is dedicated to staying informed. We receive regular updates on city projects and initiatives, which is crucial for effective oversight. This allows us to raise concerns and ensure the city is moving in the right direction. We also play a vital role in approving the city budget, authorizing major expenditures, and overseeing our finances. We advocate for Bangor residents and, ultimately, make the policy decisions that shape our city. This includes creating and amending local ordinances and laws, as well as making decisions related to land use and zoning. The City Manager then implements these policies within the framework we’ve established. Additionally, the Council appoints members to various boards and commissions that provide valuable input on specific city matters.
What does a typical week look like for you as a City Councilor?
City Council isn’t designed as a full-time job, but it certainly keeps me busy! Typically, we have regular Council meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. During those weeks we also have a Council Workshop meeting ahead of time to publicly work though issues. Throughout the week, I might meet with city staff to discuss specific issues, answer constituent questions, and connect with residents across Bangor to hear their concerns.
The rhythm of our weeks varies. Budget season, for example, is significantly busier, with more frequent meetings. Every Friday, we receive the agendas for the following week’s meetings, and I dedicate time over the weekend to thoroughly review the materials. Being prepared is crucial for effective decision-making.
Every Monday we also have committee meetings. Each Councilor is assigned to specific committees. I have been assigned to the Finance Committee, Government Operations Committee, City Manager Annual Evaluation Committee, and City Clerk Annual Evaluation Committee. While we’re not required to attend committee meetings to which we’re not assigned as voting members, you’ll often see us all there. Staying informed on all issues is vital, as they eventually come before the full Council.
So, to summarize: Mondays are primarily for Council and Committee meetings. We may have additional meetings on Wednesdays, particularly during busy periods like budget season. Agendas arrive on Fridays, prompting weekend review. And throughout the week, I engage with staff and residents as needed.
How can residents best communicate their concerns or ideas to you?
I welcome communication from Bangor residents in a variety of ways. If your concern or idea involves detailed facts or complex information, email is often the most effective method. This allows me to carefully review all the details and ensures nothing gets missed. You can also reach me by phone, and of course, public comment is always available before each City Council meeting. Committee meetings also offer public comment, typically on specific agenda items.
While I’m always happy to have a phone conversation, I strongly encourage residents to follow up with an email or letter, especially when providing detailed information. With so many constituents and issues to address, having a written record of facts, statistics, and other important details helps ensure that nothing gets lost. This allows me to better understand and address your concerns.
Click here for my City Council email address.
What are the best ways for residents to stay informed about City Council meetings and decisions?
Staying informed is crucial for an engaged community, and there are several ways to do so. First, click here to sign up for the city’s email alerts! Every Friday, the city publishes the following week’s meeting agendas, and subscribers receive an email notification. This is your first look at upcoming topics.
Next, review the agendas. See what issues interest you. If you have questions, contact the city or your City Councilors. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Talk to your friends and neighbors, too – community conversations are vital.
Get involved! Attend meetings, participate in public comment, or connect with residents who are active in local issues. It’s always better to provide input during the decision-making process than to voice concerns after a decision has been made. While I’m always happy to hear from residents, a collaborative approach leads to better outcomes for everyone.
You can also follow my blog. I’ll be using it more regularly to keep you informed about major upcoming decisions. Click here to sign up for email updates when new articles are written.
What are your thoughts on social media as a tool for communication with residents?
Social media definitely has its place in informing residents about upcoming issues and events. It’s a great way to spread awareness quickly. However, I’ve found it’s not the most effective platform for in-depth problem-solving or nuanced discussions.
One challenge is the tendency for people to react to headlines without fully understanding the context. This can lead to misinterpretations and unproductive online debates. Effective policy decisions require thoughtful dialogue and a comprehensive understanding of the facts.
Therefore, I primarily use social media to alert residents to important information, hoping they’ll reach out to me directly for a more meaningful conversation. While I understand the appeal of engaging in comment sections, I’ve found that these interactions often lack the substance needed for productive problem-solving. My goal is to foster informed and constructive communication, and direct conversations tend to be more effective in achieving that.
How can residents get involved in local government?
There are many avenues for residents to engage with local government! First, attend City Council and committee meetings. Observing firsthand is a powerful way to understand the issues and processes. Stay informed by reviewing meeting agendas, connecting with your Councilors, and engaging with city staff. Speak during public comment and make your voice heard!
Consider applying to serve on one of our citizen volunteer boards or commissions. These bodies play a vital role in shaping city policies and initiatives.
And of course, running for elected office is a direct way to make an impact. Bangor’s City Clerk makes the process accessible. Each year, typically in July, you can visit the City Clerk’s office at City Hall and obtain the necessary paperwork to run for City Council or School Committee. You’ll receive an information packet, including petition forms. Only 100 signatures, along with residency requirements, are needed to qualify for the ballot.
Bangor has a long history of encouraging civic participation, and it’s more important than ever to have informed citizens willing to step up. Building a Bangor we can be proud of where we can all live and thrive depends on citizen participation.
Thank you, Bangor!
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve our incredible community since you elected me last November. I truly appreciate the way you’ve reached out with your concerns and provided invaluable input. I’m committed to serving you and your families with the same passion and attention to detail I brought as a citizen – both at public comment and on this blog.
I believe we all share the same vision: a Bangor that continuously improves and serves as a wonderful place to visit, work, play, and live. Together, we can achieve that. Let’s make it happen, Bangor.
