Gary “Bo” Jennings
Three-year council candidate
Gary “Bo” Jennings
THE BIO:
I am a year-round resident of Bar Harbor, and am proud to call Eden home. After growing up in Texas, I lived in Springfield, Illinois; Cumming, Georgia; Hannibal Missouri; Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Nashville, Tennessee. I share that as it provides me with the unique experience of seeing how different towns operate, experiencing what has worked (and what has not). I hold a Bachelor's Degree from Hannibal LaGrange University, and have completed the Hospitality and Tourism certification program at Florida Atlantic University. I have received commendations from the City Council of Nashville, and the State Legislators of Tennessee, for my work in the hospitality industry. On top of my work in hospitality, I currently serve as the President for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as on the Gala Committee for the Criterion Theatre. I have also served on the Hype Team for the Jesup Library's capital campaign, and have worked with countless non-profits on (and off) the island to raise money for the important work they do in Downeast Maine. When not working, you can oftentimes find me at Kebo Valley Golf Club, where I am a member (but not very good :) ).
THE SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091481160778
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenningsbhtc/
THE QUESTIONS:
Why do you think so many people are running this year?
We are definitely at a crossroads, and huge decisions have to be made that will impact everyone. Residents see that, and many of us have stood up, as we want to make sure all voices and perspectives are heard.
Why are you running? How does your why for running delve into your bigger life purpose?
I was raised to put others before myself, and running for Town Council does just that. I want to help Bar Harbor remain a welcoming place to live, work, and visit, all three of which are vital to the success of our Town. I am a creative problem solver, and creative solutions are what's needed to help our residents, non-profits, and businesses thrive.
How would you try to create more trust between people not on town boards/committees and those who are?
Communication will almost always cause, and cure, any problems. Distrust is usually formed when there is a lack of effective communication, "Clear is kind" is a motto we live by at work, and one I would continue to live out if I was voted to serve on the Town Council.
The last year or so the news has been full of cruise ships, short-term rentals, and affordable housing. This isn’t saying that those aren’t all tremendously important, but what are some of the things that we might not be focusing on as a town that needs to be focused on instead?
The biggest issue facing Bar Harbor is the lack of effective support from Augusta. Bar Harbor is thought to be a super wealthy town that does not need statewide support. That could not be further from the truth, as the town can not raise unlimited revenue. Bar Harbor is set to receive the same amount of revenue sharing as Veazie, and that is not acceptable. We must raise additional revenue, becuase of the large needs we have in this town. If we want to get all of the necessary improvements and upgrades needed, and don't want to significantly increase taxes, we must first exhaust receiving proper allocation from Augusta. That has to take priority before exploring Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) options.
Do you have any ideas for increasing revenue to the town and alleviating the tax burden on property owners, ideas that don’t involve property taxes?
I just mentioned LOST, and I come from a state where LOST works. I have mentioned this to the current Town Council, and have had some fruitful conversations with some of them about this topic. That process will take time, and after exploring getting a proper allocation of Revenue sharing from Augusta, LOST should be explored with the sole purpose of increasing revenue, not limiting business. I also believe building large parking areas with shuttles, outside of downtown Bar Harbor, closer to the head of the island, would provide significant additional revenue, whether through rider/parker fees, paid sponsorships, or a combination of both.
There’s a school bond on the ballot and a school that’s in dire need of repair. How have you educated yourself on the potential reconstruction of the school and what are your thoughts on how the council and school board can work together to lessen the tax implication for the residents?
Unfortunately, the time for discussion is over. I have listened in person, and watched online, most, if not all, of the Emerson school meetings. The new council members will not have the luxury of working with the School Board on creative solutions before the bond vote. If the bond passes, it will be up to the School Board to raise as much as they can to lessen the bond total. They have already been hard at work to do so, and am excited for what could come of those efforts. Regardless of whether or not the bond passes, the school will need significant repair in order to make it a safe environment for the children of Bar Harbor as a result from years of "kicking the can down the road." It will be disappointing to spend $5m on upgrades for a building we would tear down soon enough. But it's what we must do,
As a follow-up to that, how do you prioritize education for Bar Harbor students and in what way do you see that the school does or doesn’t fit into a future, healthy community?
I am a product of great schools. In Texas, I went to a specialized elementary school for gifted students. The High School I graduated from in Georgia is a School of Excellence. Schools provide education, inspiration, and opportunity. The children of Bar Harbor deserve opportunities to thrive, and not be an afterthought. We can not neglect them, any more.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think other candidates might not bring?
The list of candidates is impressive. I can not speak to what they might not bring to the table, only what I can offer. For example, living in multiple towns has given me a unique perspective to see how other municipalities operate, both successful and unsuccessful. That history will serve Bar Harbor well. I have to think outside the box every single day to solve problems, and that is what is needed now, more than ever. Bar Harbor has complex issues facing its future, and will require complex and creative solutions.
What’s a question that I should be asking you that I’m not asking?
A question I often ask in interviewing applicants is "what tv or movie character best represents you as a professional, and why? The answer I always give is Chris Farley in Tommy Boy, or Jason Sudekis in Ted Lasso. They are both genuinely good guys, who give everything they can to serve others.
What have you done for yourself that you’re the most proud of? What have you done for the community that you’re the most proud of?
I am most proud of walking across my university's theater stage in December of 2007 to receive my Bachelor's degree. I had taken a 2 year hiatus, and going back to finish my degree was challenging, but it is easily my greatest personal accomplishment after everything I had been through in 2003 and 2004.
In Bar Harbor, I am most proud of the work I did with the Jesup Library in helping them raise funds for the capital campaign. The expansion will double their current size, and continue to serve the residents of Bar Harbor for decades to come.