Gardner tells councilors ‘work for the citizens’
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — In one of his last appearances as a city councilor, Don Gardner shared some words of wisdom with those in attendance at Monday’s meeting.
Over his 15-year tenure, Gardner said there were a few individuals who stood out and he’d remember long after leaving his official post.
“The ones I’ll remember the most and the longest will be Calvin (Hall), Walt (Elish), Jennifer (Trombley), Perley Dean and Ron McPherson. But the councilor I learned the meaning of honor, commitment and courage from was Bob Poiesz. Despite illness, Bob was a shining example of what it means to be a Council representative of the city of Presque Isle,” said Gardner. “To Bob and his family, I say ‘thank you.’”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FOND FAREWELL — Councilor Don Gardner bid an early farewell to the citizens of Presque Isle and members of the City Council, during Monday night’s meeting.
Gardner said the future presents some challenges for City Council.
“This will be the only council I can recall that will have no councilor having served a full term. Lack of experience may mean it only gets worse. It also allows for new ideas and ways to view issues before you. Change itself is not a bad thing, but change for the sake of change isn’t a good thing,” said Gardner.
“The key isn’t to look at dollars and cents but to know names, faces and families of those you represent,” Gardner continued. “That’s always been my credo and why I’ve always been called the ‘blue collar councilor’ — a name I take pride in.”
While business development is critical to the city’s future, Gardner said “it shouldn’t be borne on the backs of citizens.”
“The city has a long, proud tradition. Residents don’t want to be another Portland, Bangor or Lewiston. I have faith in the citizens of Presque Isle. I’ve spent long hours talking to them. That was my job; now it’s your job,” he said.
“Don’t act like you’re better than they are. Your job is to do the best job for the citizens of Presque Isle,” noted Gardner.
He said the days of “councilors with personal agendas are in the past.”
“There’s no place for that anymore,” said Gardner.
Gardner said the issues before the current Council need to be handled with care.
“People are not happy at this time at all. PAYT’s not working, the issues with the PIPD. Why didn’t we work with the qualified people we had, instead of looking outside,” said Gardner, apologizing to Chief Matt Irwin who was seated in the audience behind him.
Gardner questioned if proposed cuts to the fire and police departments would have a negative impact on community safety. He also noted the changes proposed on Main Street were “flat out not liked.”
“Why change what’s worked for 150 years, especially at State Street and Riverside?” asked Gardner.
Gardner said people are also not happy about the idea of closing the outdoor pool (a topic Council raised later during the evening’s budget workshop, as councilors continued to look for ways to cut costs).
“To get rid of the outdoor pool — many can’t afford to go elsewhere. In the summer, it’s free” and enjoyed by many, he said.
Gardner told his fellow councilors, “when asked a straight question, give a straight answer.”
He also encouraged councilors to “build trust with city employees.”
“They were hired because they’re the best people for the job. Let them do the job, don’t micromanage,” said Gardner.
“I feel blessed. Employees felt safe enough with me to bring me their issues, knowing I’d work to get an answer, without compromising their trust,” he said.
Gardner said this may not be the last citizens see of him.
“I end this chapter and say goodbye to the citizens and thank you. I appreciate the independent nature of the people. They’ll either make or break you,” said Gardner, smiling as he added, “Keep an eye on me. I may be back, if I get my wife’s permission.”
