Washington County: One Community Newsletter and Survey Being Mailed County-wide

Calais, ME – July 27, 2007

In recognition of the strength that comes from cooperation, the Washington County Commissioners have spearheaded a regional program known as “Washington County: One Community”. Commissioner Chris Gardner says “We’re very excited that this project gives us the opportunity to explore what it means to work together in such an expansive area, and to identify the things that we can share. How, for example, can we better connect our town governments, our schools, and our businesses?”

So begins the message from the Commissioners in the Washington County: One Community newsletter that will be mailed to all Washington County postal addresses in early September. Included with the newsletter is a quality of life survey that asks all residents their opinions on community life, community facilities and infrastructure, economic development and more.

The goal of the newsletter is to highlight a few positive stories and to build communication across public and private sector institutions. Readers will learn about the successful re-opening of Greenland Point Center, the award received by local artisan Heather Perry, expansions in wireless broadband throughout the county, and education programs that are improving access to early college programs and the rich regional ecology of Washington County.

The County Commissioners appointed several individuals to serve on the Washington County: One Community initiative for two years including Barbara Drisko, Janet Toth, Eileen Campbell, Mikoo Mendoza, Harold Clossey, Jim Roberts, Judy East, Gary Edwards, Eleody Libby, and Jim Porter.

The team is led by new County Manager Linda Pagels-Wentworth and has attracted the participation of many more people from all over Washington County. During initial meetings the appointed committee developed a vision for Washington County: One Community which has stuck as more people join the effort: One community of citizens devoted to positive communication across our county - demonstrating, celebrating and promoting success.

This large vision was refined into several component visions and action steps meetings this spring attended by a group of over 30 participants.  These include the following:

Action/Aspiration/Destination/Hope: Our shared vision is a healthy citizenry with the commitment, ability and attitude to cooperate, adapt to change, and excel.

Accountability: Our shared vision is a community where everyone takes ownership and responsibility for Washington County.

Community and Resources: Our shared vision is a community that recognizes its assets, conserves its resources and maximizes its opportunities.

Economics: Our shared vision is opportunity for sustainable businesses, creating good jobs, and encouraging all in Washington County to thrive.

Infrastructure: Our shared vision is a county that has reliable and modern telecommunication and transportation systems that support well-developed community-based physical and social services.

Social Capital: Our shared vision is a growing sense of community fueled by an engaged citizenry working collaboratively to promote the well-being of the county.

Sustainability: Our shared vision is to build a sustainable way of life building on unique Downeast Maine brand while keeping what is good GREAT!

Youth: Our shared vision is for the youth of Washington County to develop the skills, abilities, and self-respect that will enable them to grow along with and have a voice in the community.

Four working groups have developed actions that will lead our county toward these visions. The groups are organized around infrastructure and social capital, youth, economic development, and communications. The highest priority actions steps for the entire Washington County: One Community initiative is receiving attention from all four groups with some specializing around obvious issues.

The objectives in the first year and immediate actions include a positive self-image campaign with goals such as ensuring that Washington County: One Community! will be a familiar, positive household term, a Washington County brand will be developed, local products will be showcased and marketed and we will receive national media coverage regarding Washington County’s success at delivering a qualified reliable workforce to successful businesses. The first action step in working on these objectives is the newsletter and survey being released next month.

In 1 year One Community is aiming for 70% of households and businesses to have high-speed Internet access. This is a bold goal given that a 2005 county-wide survey told us that 70% of households accessed the Internet using dial-up connections. The survey enclosed in the newsletter will tell Washington County: One Community how much progress we have made in the last two years. A broadband symposium is being planned for last this fall to keep pressure and support on the industry and regulators to increase access to high speed Internet in underserved areas.

Another objective is for schools to become multi-purpose community and business support infrastructure centers, utilizing distance learning equipment for cost-effective education, lifelong learning, workforce development and business communications; K-16 curriculums fully articulated for seamless credit. Washington County: One Community is working with school superintendents and economic development agencies to support creative ways of using this valuable infrastructure so that schools remain viable and open.

Organizers of Washington County: One Community would like more participation. A web presence is under development on the new Washington County web site www.washingtoncountymaine.com and all are invited to visit the site and join one of the committees in whatever way feels appropriate for them.

In the meantime Washington County: One Community is asking that all county residents watch their mail boxes for the newsletter and survey – and respond by September 10, 2007 – respondents can fill in their paper copy or go to www.washingtoncountymaine.com and click on the survey button to fill it out on-line.

Washington County: One Community is one of just two projects awarded technical assistance from Maine Rural Partners under its Harness the Wealth! rural community building program.

For more information, please contact Linda Pagels-Wentworth 255-3127, Janet Toth 434-2086, or Jill Peterson, 255-1336