Butler Smythe - Blue Hill Selectman
April 6, 2017 (YES... 2017!)
My name is Butler Smythe and I’m running for Selectman in Blue Hill, ME in 2017.
My promises are the same and this is but a short list.
Blue Hill is as a wonderful place to live but hampered by changes in technology, economic climate, as well as business marketplace changes. The Internet, big box stores in other towns, school schedules and other impacts have directly affected Blue Hill, and Blue Hill is not alone in this. I want to make a reality the enjoyment of all who live, visit and want to come to enjoy our world.
I do not believe that Blue Hill is “Dying” – it is just going through a phase that it has gone through before. Perhaps we now have a chance to make a more direct and impactful effort to improve the town’s position in the region.
We should at least try!
Why should our Selectmen (part time) get 100% Medical Reimbursement. Town's employees (full-time) get 80%?
The town voted to do just that April 2, 2016!
That says two things.
1. There is something wrong in Blue Hill's Town Hall
2. The Town needs honesty and transparency.
And... Why should the Town's Voters want night selectmen meetings 1x per month - yet the selectmen disregarded that vote and cancelled them.
My promises are the same and this is but a short list.
Blue Hill is as a wonderful place to live but hampered by changes in technology, economic climate, as well as business marketplace changes. The Internet, big box stores in other towns, school schedules and other impacts have directly affected Blue Hill, and Blue Hill is not alone in this. I want to make a reality the enjoyment of all who live, visit and want to come to enjoy our world.
- I will work to see that Blue Hill is a town that is seen as changing for the good, with positive visual, cultural and economic activities that will attract all members of the community – full time, summer and other visitors.
- I will develop an immediate improvement in the shortage of viable affordable Internet capacity in Blue Hill using existing resources and economically viable actions that will lead to further enhancements for the town.
- I will contribute all of my income as a selectman to the development of Broadband and the economic viability of the Town of Blue Hill.
- I will address the lack of job opportunities through economic and resources actions.
- I will support, correct and develop Ordinances that enable growth, entrepreneurship (i.e. food vendors and others who serve demands not otherwise fulfilled), and support common sense technologies with room for adherence to public concerns.
- I will recuse myself from any vote that would affect my personal economic interests.
- I will develop clear and viable town incentives for businesses that might be unable to relocate here otherwise.
- I will actively ensure there are clear communications with all other peninsula towns for common and connected issues - such as the lack of good Internet connectivity for all. That includes Deer Isle and Stonington.
- I will work for and am willing to achieve transparent and consistent communication with all. I am actively connected to the Internet, email and Phone, and use them all.
- I will do all I can to ensure that positive change is at the forefront of the town’s Mission Statement and the Town’s actions.
- I will ensure that we treat and support our Town employees with the utmost respect and adherence to State Policies and Procedures.
I do not believe that Blue Hill is “Dying” – it is just going through a phase that it has gone through before. Perhaps we now have a chance to make a more direct and impactful effort to improve the town’s position in the region.
We should at least try!
Why should our Selectmen (part time) get 100% Medical Reimbursement. Town's employees (full-time) get 80%?
The town voted to do just that April 2, 2016!
That says two things.
1. There is something wrong in Blue Hill's Town Hall
2. The Town needs honesty and transparency.
And... Why should the Town's Voters want night selectmen meetings 1x per month - yet the selectmen disregarded that vote and cancelled them.