letter to the editor

JEDC strives for transparency

Tue, 05/23/2017 - 12:00pm

Dear Editor:

The Joint Economic Development Committee (JEDC) appreciates the letter from Ms. Andersen pointing out the challenges of finding information about this committee. As a new, ad hoc group jointly appointed through a formal agreement between the select boards of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, the JEDC strives to enhance economic growth and prosperity through a process that builds on the unique assets of our region and preserve the quality of life for the residents of the Boothbay region. Our key objective is to develop an overall economic development strategy that positions our region to identify opportunities, and to coordinate and leverage creative ideas, local assets, and public private resources to facilitate the growth of new and existing businesses.

Communicating with residents across the peninsula is important to the JEDC. Searching the Register’s website produced 16 JEDC news stories and letters, many of them highlighting the committee’s highly successful development and support for the Boothbay Festival of Lights and new wayfinding initiative. The JEDC hosted two public meetings at the Opera House in 2016 to deliver planning information to the region businesses about how to engage with the Boothbay Festival of Lights. Information about the JEDC is frequently shared during selectmen meetings. Several members of the public also attend our standing meetings (5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the YMCA).

However, we want to ensure people can easily identify committee members and contact the JEDC through the town managers or the co-chairs. Information about the membership and meeting times are being added to the town websites in the same way that regular committees such as planning boards or board of appeals are publicized. We welcome your input and involvement.

Joint Economic Development Committee

Boothbay representatives: Dale Harmon, Dawn Gilbert, Andy Hamblett, Abbe Levin (co-chair), Steve Malcom, Dan Bryer (town manager)

Boothbay Harbor representatives: Jon Dunsford, Jeff Teel, Michael Tomko, Ken Rayle, Wendy Wolf (co-chair), Tom Woodin (town manager)

Edgecomb representative: Ted Hugger

Southport representatives: Ham Meserve, Nancy Prisk

Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce: Patricia Royall