Ogunquit News
Walking the walk to hear the talk
By C. Ayn Douglass
Ogunquit Town Manager Phil Clark and Chief of Police Pat Arnaudin are seen here walking the walk, so to speak, in an unofficial visit to local businesses to see how the season is going, hear concerns and work to improve communication.
Photo by C. Ayn Douglass
OGUNQUIT - During the extra busy summer months, business owners in town have little or no time to grab lunch, let alone drop in at the Dunaway Center to talk with officials there about their concerns.
That is why Chief of Police Pat Arnaudin and Town Manager Phil Clark have taken their show on the road - or more accurately, the sidewalk.
Since mid-April, when Arnaudin was appointed police chief, she has made it a point to allow a certain amount of time to drop in at businesses on Beach Street, Main Street and Shore Road as part of her walking tours to stay in touch with the business community. Recently, she and Clark have coordinated their time so they could do it together.
"Talking with the public is one of the things I missed when I was appointed chief," Arnaudin said. "I've met with the business people in town in meetings, but wanted to be more visible."
On Monday, July 24, Arnaudin and Clark dropped in on several stores in town and introduced themselves to employees and owners alike, asking if there were any concerns or issues they would like to see the town address.
Most were just surprised to see the officials paying a friendly visit, but some wanted to discuss traffic and parking issues. Some were also happy to report that those issues have been handled in a much more pleasant and efficient way this year than in the past.
Jean Foss, owner of the Harbor Candy Shop on Main Street, had nothing but good things to say about the way the summer was going.
"I have no complaints. I'm pleased that each year we get better informed about what's going on and what the newest (ordinances) regarding parking are," Foss said.
She was pleased and surprised at the visit by Arnaudin and Clark.
"This is just huge goodwill and thank you for taking the time to do it," she said.
Clark said on their walk to Perkins Cove last week, he and Arnaudin were able to resolve an issue regarding loading zones there, as well as meet with the harbor master to clear up a matter regarding parking for commercial fishermen.
"It's amazing," he said. "You walk out without knowing anything is going on, and come back finding there are about 15 things. We started doing this, and have no particular time scheduled just to visit with the business owners, employees and visitors about what concerns they have."
