Robert Chaplin
THREE-YEAR TERM, BAR HARBOR WARRANT COMMITTEE
BOB’S BIO
I am a long-term Bar Harbor resident and have taught for many years at Connors Emerson Elementary School including coaching the middle school cross country running and track and field teams. I have worked with the Acadia National Park as a Seasonal Ranger/Park Naturalist and also as an Environmental Education Specialist/Assistant Director of Acadia Youth Corp. I was a US Custom and Immigration Officer stationed at Blue Nose Ferry and also proudly served in the US Coast Guard. I am an Island Explorer Spokesperson and enthusiast.
I greatly enjoy the therapeutic outdoor experience of Acadia National Park by walking or cycling and I feel enjoying the park is one of the wonderful benefits of living here in Bar Harbor.
THE QUESTIONS
What inspired you to run for Warrant Committee?
My dedication to our town and the desire to serve my fellow citizens. I believe serving on the Town of Bar Harbor Warrant Committee is both an honor and privilege.
It is important to me to continue serving on the education subcommittee, and we, with help from the outstanding AOS business manager and school staff, make sure that all parts of the curriculum are properly funded. Under the CIP part of the budget, we are responsible for ensuring that the school building and grounds are well maintained.
I along with the subcommittee am proud of the fact that the citizens of Bar Harbor support high quality education for the children of Bar Harbor, our most important resource.
What are your thoughts on tax-payer-based spending in Bar Harbor?
It needs to be carefully evaluated every year and tax monies should go to projects for the good of all citizens. I would prefer that there are less litigation fees in our budget in the future.
What are your thoughts about redirecting parking fee revenues to non-parking-related budget items?
I think it is absolutely essential to use these funds to keep from the town budget from needing more taxpayer funds.
The Warrant Committee considers, investigates, and reports on all of the election warrant articles except for the candidates for Town Meeting. What particular skills do you have that you think will help you perform that role?
As a long-time committee member, I bring extensive experience to my work for Bar Harbor citizens.
Presently, I am a member of several boards, listed below, exposing me to many different citizen perspectives which in turn helps me best represent my fellow Bar Harbor citizens when reviewing our town budget and Land Use Ordinances.
Northeast Creek Community Board of Directors
Bar Harbor Congregational Church TLC Board
Friends of Mount Desert Island Hospital Board
MOFGA Planning Committee
CES Fundraising Committee
Why should voters trust you to represent their interests effectively?
Integral to my personality is the strong desire to do the right thing for the Bar Harbor community and my decision making can be trusted in the future as it has been in the past.