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To the editor:
To my fellow Rockporters, I am a candidate for re-election to your Board of Selectmen.
It has been my privilege to serve you as selectman for three years (chairman for one year), on Capital Improvement Planning Committee for four years (chairman for one year), and on the Finance Committee for nine years (chairman for six years).
Throughout these many years it has been my overall goal to listen to your concerns and take whatever action I could to meet them, providing leadership in improving the well-being of all Rockporters.
When chairman of the Finance Committee, we were successful during difficult times in raising the town's bond rating to the highest level possible and thereby lock in the best available interest rates possible. With the support of residents and employees, we lived within our means while still accomplishing necessary projects and programs.
This past year, the Capital Committee recommended and Town Meeting approved a substantial list of capital expenditures for many departments, amounting to $2 million, that will allow each department to have the essential capital resources to maintain the valuable assets of the town as well as to invest for its future needs. As chairman, I presented these needs to Town Meeting, where they were approved.
Some other accomplishments of the Board of Selectmen during my tenure are:
Replacing retired town administrator with an interim administrator, followed by hiring Linda Sanders, all within six months.
Purchased and renovated Town Hall Annex (formerly the Granite Savings Bank Building) which is now fully occupied.
Capital and operating budgets balanced without overrides.
Actively supported the Partners for Addison Gilbert Hospital's effort to help preserve the hospital.
The present Board of Selectmen is a team of individuals who sometimes steadfastly disagree with one another, but for the most part are able to compromise and come away with a consensus on how to proceed, always keeping the best interests of this town at heart.
If elected, it would be my privilege to continue to serve as one of your selectmen. There is much work to be done. I have the desire and the qualifications to succeed.
I hope you will vote for me on May 8. Whomever you vote for, please vote. It is one of our most precious rights here in America.
SANDY JACQUES
Rockport
Member, Rockport Board of Selectmen
