Maintaining our momentum

    One of the interesting aspects of being a municipal manager is the fast pace of the changing landscape of the economy and how to deal with it. In the past, a slowdown in the economy resulted in belt tightening, finding more efficiency in delivering services and trimming around the edges. The economy would then improve and most services would continue to be offered as usual. Oh, how this has changed with the current economic conditions! One has to look well into the future to ride out this recession. In doing so, my passion as a municipal manager for advancing various projects and goals has to be tempered based on the economic realities.
    The City has many exciting programs, projects and investments going on in the community despite the recession. A new hotel, credit union, restaurant/bakery and retail store are all progressing on the Route 1 corridor. The Maine Department of Transportation is investing heavily on a complete new set of traffic signals for the entire community. The construction of a wind turbine at the University of Maine at Presque Isle demonstrates their commitment to reducing future energy costs. Similar interest on wind turbines is also being shown by SAD 1 and the Northern Maine Community College. As a side benefit and commitment, the community college is now offering a degree program that supports the wind turbine industry. And, the investments are not only in Presque Isle along a single corridor but at places like the Presque Isle Industrial Park and the Loring Commerce Center.
    The recession has created a large decline in the economy. As a result, the City has placed two major projects on hold … but only for now. An addition to the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library for accessibility and a new Community Center to replace the outdated Haskell Center will have to wait until the economy improves. But, the momentum and vision for these two projects is unabated! Planning work will continue for both projects. The environmental work and acquisition of one more parcel of land for the Community Center will continue as scheduled. Once the economy improves the City’s momentum and vision for both of these projects will proceed; enhancing the City as a place of destination.
    So, for now we’ll ride out the recession doing what is necessary and provide as many services as possible. And, we’re prepared to proceed with our momentum and visions once the economy improves.
    Thomas Stevens is city manager of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 764-4485 tstevens@presqueisleme.us