The City Council will start to caucus Nov. 23 on South Portland’s next mayor. I recently interviewed outgoing Mayor Tom Blake about his one-year term.

From helping to boost volunteerism in SoPo to pushing for more land bank funds, Blake summarized his work as mayor.

Blake also said he supports the idea of making the mayoral post an elected position.

The following are my questions and his responses:

Q. What do you feel are your top accomplishments as mayor?
BLAKE:
Establishment and ongoing work of:
* Comprehensive Planning Committee, first meeting on the 19th of November
* Open Space Update Committee, meeting with Council soon
* Sawyer Park Committee
* Volunteer Committee
* Long Creek Revitalization Committee & Long Creek District (National Award)
Introduction and development of:
* Department Strategic Plans with prioritization of public facility needs  
* Fish, Foul and Animal Committee
* Green Codes
* Increase of Land Bank Funds
Public Library steps:
* Union Contract Agreement
* Development of long and short term facility needs through a committee
*  Creation of a new LAB ordinance through a committee that is nearing completion
Misc:
* Finalized Willard Beach Committee work
* Strengthened connection with GPCOG
* Introduced public comment session at workshops
* The continued expansion of the West End Trails

Q. Are there still things on your to do list as mayor?
BLAKE: With only three weeks to go, I would prefer to say in the final year of my first term, seeing all the above come to fruition, as well as seeing these concepts go to the next level:
* the Gift Book
* the transfer facility swap barn
* development of a package for new residents and businesses, a marketing/promotions package
*continued improved responses from our employees to our constituents

Q. How are the roles of Councilor and Mayor different?
BLAKE: Historically the position has been touted as ceremonial.  It is far from it.  Just by receiving an increased amount of invites to community events, the Mayor is generally busier and therefore quite involved with the Community. Hardly a day has gone by that I have not had some sort of public activity. The Mayor also works more closely with the City Manager and others (including the other councilors) on establishing the workshop and Council agendas.

Q. Anything you will not miss after you complete your term as mayor?
BLAKE: The time commitment has been more than I anticipated but I have thoroughly enjoyed the year and will look back upon my term as Mayor of SP as a year of pleasurable experiences with our community members.  We have some wonderful people!!!!!!!  I also think we have an excellent Council and City staff from top to bottom. Nothing would have been accomplished in 2009 without a full team effort.  Councilor DeAngelis will be a strong addition with immediate impact.

Q. What did you get out of being mayor? Did you learn anything new about the city, government or the role you play as a city official?
BLAKE: One reason I pushed for public input at workshops is that they are so important as to how we proceed with the direction of SP. Having the public involved more this year at that level continues to remind me just HOW important workshops are.  I am in hopes we can televise workshops in the near future.

In many ways they are more important to our future that the council meetings. I have also been pleasantly surprised at how high a regard many people consider our Mayor’s position. While politics are at a crossroads in America, people support our system. This contributes to my thoughts on how we elect our Mayor.

Q. Should the mayor be an elected official?
BLAKE: There are many ways to do this, but yes I feel this position should be elected. Those interested should declare in sufficient time to be placed on the November ballot.  The timing is perfect and the cost is miniscule.  Then let the public decide who they want out of those interested.  We have very astute and educated voters in SP, so let them pick!

Comments

By Young SoPo'r on 2009 12 01

By What'sUp on 2009 11 13

By SoPoVoter on 2009 11 10