During my six year tenure on City Council, I have worked hard to meet residents and actively seek community members concerns, suggestions and ideas on issues and projects to move Rockland forward.

I’ve heard concerns about high taxes, ideas of ways to improve city services, and low or no cost ways to collaborate with businesses and residents to improve the quality of life in Rockland.

I have supported initiatives that lower costs and improve efficiency in City government and supported rebuilding the City’s crumbling infrastructure.

Below I have noted some areas and projects on which I have focused while on Council as well as what I see as key priorities, challenges and opportunities if voters elect me to another term.

Pritchett4Rockland2016
I believe the primary responsibilities of City government are providing the essential public services and infrastructure needed for sustainable economic development and healthy, walkable neighborhoods.

Members of City Council must strive to keep taxes down while ensuring services are provided to residents and municipal infrastructure maintained in a quality manner

I strongly believe that how the City Council engages with the community to set priorities for City government and to develop City projects is just as important as the projects done and services provided.

In my view, Rockland’s blend of manufacturing, banking, tourism, retail, fishing, and outdoor recreation coupled with the creative economy provides many opportunities for sustainable development here

Investing In Roads, Sidewalks, City Buildings & Energy Efficiency
For a decade or more Rockland’s streets, sidewalks, buildings and sewer lines fell into severe disrepair due a lack of prioritized investment. Since being elected to Council in 2010 I have advocated for:

Rebuilding Badly Failing Old County Road
Rebuilding in 2016 badly deteriorating Old County Road including adding bike lanes and good drainage - - 75% of Rockland voters approved in 2014 bond & MeDOT contributed $1 Million;

More Energy Efficient Public Library
Developing energy retrofits in 2012 at the City’s popular public Library that have both improved comfort for patrons and allowed the City to budget 44% less ($25,000) for heat and electricity;

Higher Quality Street Lighting At A Far Lower Costs
Replacing in 2016 unreliably leased lighting along Main Street with City owned LED fixtures to improve lighting, to improve safety and to lower annual City costs by $59,000;

Reducing Water Pollution & Sewage Backups In Homes
Sewer and stormwater projects in places like Summer Street and along parts of Lindsey Brook to reduce water pollution and eliminated sewer line backups and surcharging in residents’ homes;

New Public Services Department To Increase Efficiencies and Maintain Streets & Sidewalks
Merging in 2015 struggling Departments of Public Works and Solid Waste into single Public Services department with in house capacity to do projects like rebuilding Warren St. sidewalk;

Exterior Masonry Repairs To Keep Rockland Community Building Dry
Repointing all the masonry combined with other repairs to keep historic 1937 Community Building dry & functioning for decades to come - - a project supported by 63% of voters in 2011;

Engaged & Transparent City Government
Too often City government has failed to work effectively with residents and local businesses to improve neighborhoods, set priorities for City government, expand local businesses, and develop City projects.

On projects I have supported - - 2014 Old County Road Bond, 2016 Power Generation ordinances as examples - - Council, Committees and staff worked closely with residents by:

Holding Public/Community Forums
Holding community forums on important issues or projects to identify areas of concerns, residents’ goals and city options (4 Public Forums were held on Power Generation Ordinances);

Developing Policies & Projects In Open City Committee Meetings
Compiling ideas for a project or policy in Committee meetings to give residents opportunity to listen and participate (15 Energy & Planning Board meetings on Power Generation Ordinances)

Vetting Draft Project & Policy Proposals In Community Forums & Council Work Sessions
Convening Council work sessions and public forums provides a better format than the more formal monthly Council meetings for dialog between Council members and residents

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate that the way the City approached the Old County project and the Power Generation Ordinances becomes the norm for citizen engagement - - and not exceptions.

Potential For Growing Local Economy Built On
Specialty Manufacturing, Fishing, Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Financial Services, Creative Economy
Almost six years on Council has convince me that part of what makes Rockland what it is - - a key strength of the community - - is the diversity of the local economy.

Rockland’s economy has strong year round components in financial services and specialty manufacturing coupled with very vibrant seasonal tourism and outdoor recreation components.

In my view, the diversity of the local economy provides the Council, residents and local business many opportunities for sustainable growth