It was a good year for Bangor. Here is my top ten list of successes for our city in the year 2014: 10. The American Lung Association determined that Bangor is one of four cities with the cleanest air in the country; a separate panel declared that Bangor has the purest water in Maine. 9. We worked with Senator Collinss and Senator Kings offices to secure a SAFER grant to protect four firefighter positions and upgraded two 1990s fire engines. 8. The new Downtown Mural on the side of the old Greyhound Station inspires, welcomes, and fills our community with pride. 7. The community came together at Thanksgiving to support workers in Bucksport, Lincoln, Old Town, and all over the state who are going through tough financial times due to mill closures. 6. The City made major progress on abandoned and dilapidated buildings. We pushed banks to take action, took over several properties ourselves and flipped them back to market, and worked with Habitat for Humanity on another. 5. It was a big year for entertainment in Bangor with acts like Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor, Bob Seger, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Willie Nelson, Cirque du Soleil, and many others playing the Waterfront or the Cross Center. 4. Bangor solemnly remembered the 30-year anniversary of the murder of Charlie Howard. The City was given an award by Equality Maine this year for progress. 3. A regional task force studied our substance abuse challenges and proposed solutions. Acting Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli came to Bangor in August to educate and provide funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery. 2. Bangor International Airport played a role in the Ebola fight. Each patient transported through Bangor survived. Calm professionalism trumped fears. 1. Data shows Bangor had the greatest per capita income growth and now has the youngest median age of any city in Maine. Business development looks promising for 2015. Despite a challenging regional economy, Bangor is well positioned as we enter a new year. Thank you for the opportunity to be your City Councilor. It is a real honor.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:13:51 +0000
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