Gary Friedmann
Bar Harbor Town Council Candidate
GARY FRIEDMANN
THE BIO:
I've been on the council since 2012. During that time I have strived to make the council a more welcoming venue for public participation, and one where we address our most important issues:
Keeping taxes low. I have always been a budget hawk with a keen eye on generating new sources of revenue and keeping spending to the essentials.
I made the motion to survey citizens on the cruise ship issue, and voted against the memorandum of agreements because they did not go far enough to curb visitation.
I was one of the first councillors to publicly press to acknowledge and act on Bar Harbor's housing crisis. This resulted in the planning department's Housing Action Plan, including zoning amendments for employee housing, regulation of short-term rentals, and the addition of a staff planner focused on developing affordable housing.
I have made reducing the town's carbon footprint and energy costs a top priority, resulting in the first municipal solar array in Versant territory (powering public works for eight years now) and supporting the formation of the Town's Climate Emergency Task Force.
For 30 years I have run a local consulting business that helps nonprofits succeed, helping hundreds of organizations across Maine develop strategic plans, build capacity, and raise over $100 million to strengthen our communities. These organizations provide local housing, food security, rural healthcare, playgrounds, education, arts and culture, transportation, healthy aging services, and so many other services we all depend on.
My wife Glenon founded Bar Harbor Farm, which, with our two partners and several employees, feeds 150 local families and delivers organic produce to several restaurants and two food pantries. We know firsthand that our communities rely on collaboration, hard work, perseverance, and taking care of each other.
OUR QUESTIONS FOR GARY:
Why do you think so many people are running this year?
There are lots of important issues facing our town that have rightfully grabbed the attention of Bar Harbor residents.
Why are you running? How does your why for running delve into your bigger life purpose?
To contribute the historical perspective I bring from my years of experience with town affairs, and continue work on important projects, including rebalancing tourism with our quality of life, supporting initiatives to develop affordable housing, and addressing climate change with strategies that save taxpayers money.
How would you try to create more trust between people not on town boards/committees and those who are?
I take the time to reach out to residents, communicating personally and in small meetings, and speaking up to advocate for the issues residents care deeply about.
What are some things that you feel like the town should be focusing on, but isn’t?
Establishing clear limits to the growth of the hospitality industry, and working with neighboring towns on sustainability and housing issues. There aren't many big problems we can solve on our own.
We asked this last year, but I think it’s really important to ask again. Do you have any ideas for increasing revenue to the town and alleviating the tax burden on property owners? Do you have any ideas for decreasing expenses?
I want to take a new approach to a lodging tax—let's give it new name, since the local option tax has gone down in flames repeatedly. I am suggesting ROOT: Restricted Optional Occupancy Tax
With state grants and federal IRA funding the town can carry out energy efficiency projects that will stabilize and reduce long-term energy expenses.
What skills do you bring to the table that you think other candidates might not bring?
Decades of experience in the fields of natural resource conservation and alternative energy; grant writing; and nonprofit management.
What is it about Bar Harbor that you love?
Every day I ride my bike over the hill on Eagle Lake Road, and am thankful for our schools, elderly housing, Kids Corner, our historic churches, library and Abbe Museum; our public parks and waterfront; and the natural beauty of our town and Acadia National Park. I love the people I have befriended, and the people I work with. And I love the 40 acres we steward on Gilbert Farm Road to feed our community and our souls.
What is it that worries you?
Climate change.
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 bike 50 miles a week in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
I co-founded A Climate to Thrive, spearheading the solarization of all MDI Towns, including MDI High School. During sunny days in the spring and fall, most of the electricity MDI consumes comes from the sun.
What’s a question that I should be asking you that I’m not asking?
Q: Why do you want another term on Council after the endless meetings and frustrations of the last year?
A: Working with our Town Manager, James Smith, and the current members of the Council gives me hope that we can make great strides together in the coming year.