Striving to preserve the character of Rockport.

The Friends of Rockport is a community based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the historic character of Rockport, Maine, with particular emphasis on what Charles Kuralt deemed the most “perfect small harbor in America.” Our organization is inspired by those who came before us whose generosity remain vital elements of the Rockport character today:

  • Mary Louise Curtis Bok donation of the library, Mary Lea Park, and much of Beauchamp Point
  • Albert H. Chatfield, Jr. bequest of Aldermere Farm
  • Concerned citizens who purchased and donated the land for Rockport Marine Park

Interesting, Important Votes on November 9, 2022

The local, Rockport election sees 10 special articles for your consideration, most of which are thornier than they may appear.

You may have already read about Article 3 and Article 4 seeking to have the voters withdraw the very changes to the Land Use Ordinance implemented during the height of the pandemic. We urge you to vote no on Article 3 and Article 4.

You may have also read about Article 7, a veiled attempt to get voter approval for a sewer plant likely sited in Cramer Park and dumping into the Goose River and Rockport Harbor. Not only that, but the veiled part is the allusion that the downtown TIF district will pay the $16 million for the sewer plant – they won’t, best case they’ll pay about 25% of the cost. With rising interest rates, that TIF money is unlikely to even cover the interest costs on the $16 million! We urge you to vote no on Article 7.

And now you can read about Article 9 which seeks to empower the Select Board to hire the Town Manager position with little formal process, no requirement for citizen oversight or input, and no need to seek advice and counsel from the Maine Municipal Association. We urge you to vote no on Article 9.

Finally, Article 10 wants you to add language which requires write-in candidates to declare their willingness to serve before the election. With so much talk about voter suppression doesn’t it seem odd to pre-declare a willingness to serve as a write-in candidate? Aside from tamping down alternative voices, what purpose does this serve? We urge you to vote no on Article 10.

Parade on Central Street

Show your support for a beautiful, vibrant town of Rockport by joining the Friends of Rockport. Joining costs you nothing and gets you inside access to activities and opportunities to help improve Rockport. Just email your name, email address and town of residence (note if you are a non-resident Rockport property owner). We look forward to talking with you soon.

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