After six years on the Standish Town Council, Cindy Hopkins has chosen not to run for re-election this June.
Hopkins, 51, who currently serves as chairperson of the seven-member council, said she made the difficult decision “after much deliberation and soul searching.”
“I am a firm believer that for an organization or board to continue to be effective, new members and ideas are critical,” she said. “For that reason, I feel that it is time for me to step aside and open the door wider for a new face, energy and ideas to represent Area 1.”
While the council is a diverse group, Hopkins believes it has worked together to address the needs of the community. She says that even with its differences of opinion, the actions of its members have reflected their commitment to provide “the best and most efficient services possible.”
In her six years on the council, Hopkins is gratified by the many “highs” in her role, meaning the many changes and initiatives she has helped put through. She cites implementing competitive pay for town employees, merging the EMS and Fire Department, instigating the Comprehensive Plan Update initiative, bringing about the Roadway Planning effort and introducing a zoning change to promote development of senior housing.
But she also cited several “lows,” such as the loss of fellow councilor, Gerald Spencer, who died in January after a long battle with cancer. Other difficult times for Hopkins have been what she called the “negative campaign and personal attacks” concerning the movement of the boat launch and beach facility, as well as the continuing court challenges from the Portland Water District.
Councilor Dolores Lymeburner said Hopkins would be missed by the entire council and added that the experience Hopkins brings to the group from the business world has been very valuable.
“I worked with her when we were joining the EMS and the Fire Department, which was a contentious issue,” Lymeburner said. “She did a very good job in organizing meetings and getting input. And we ended up with a united department.”
Although she will no longer be on the council, Hopkins has no intention of dropping out of sight. In particular, she plans to stay involved with the senior housing initiative and to see the Comprehensive Plan Update to fruition.
“Living in this town my entire life, I still have an avid and vested interest in the progression of many of the town’s initiatives,” she said.
Councilor Terrence Christy said Hopkins had “contributed so much positive to the town.”
“She’s done an awful lot,” he said. “Her organizational skills, her policy work. She’s candid – she tells it like it is – and she will be missed.
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