Mid-Maine's Strategic Vision For The Year 2020

We are a vibrant, family-oriented, regional community actively engaged in and responsible for shaping our future. Family in our community is about our relationships with each other: we are all family. We are an inclusive community that embraces individuality and values diversity. We promote interaction and respect among people of all ages and backgrounds. We nurture honesty, integrity, spirituality, and personal and civic responsibility.

Everyone feels secure here. We can express ourselves without fear and we encourage public discussion and debate. We celebrate a high participation in consensual government. Our government and service agencies are coordinated and effective. We have an open-door policy in all our institutions and welcome participation from everyone.

We are fiscally responsible. We maintain a vigorous economic environment while preserving a small-town atmosphere that is attractive, enjoyable and affordable. We actively recruit and support socially responsible enterprises. We are competitive in the global economy. High quality jobs provide economic equity, advancement and security for individuals and families. We cooperate regionally to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and promote sustainable economic development. We work with other communities to enhance their quality of life.

We are a community that coordinates our responses to our social, economic, cultural and artistic needs. Our health care services foster the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our residents. Our community offers broad educational opportunities for people of all ages and all needs. We emphasize service in all levels of education. Educational, religious, government, social and business organizations collaborate in supporting life-long learning and growth. We promote the creative and performing arts as a cornerstone of our regional identity.

We place a high priority on our youth. The entire community shares responsibility for the welfare of every child. Parenting is valued and supported. All children have a healthy, nurturing start in life. Youths actively participate in the community decision-making process. The community prepares young adults for productive lives and provides local career opportunities. As community members age, we value their wisdom and continue to provide opportunities for them to meet their needs.

We hold an ethic that respects the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things. We make decisions based upon our understanding that the quality of our lives depends on respecting our environment. We value and work together to preserve our heritage, our architecture and our natural environment. Because we have preserved the blessing of our rivers, lakes, forests and farms, we are a center for rest, reflection and recreation.

We trust in the value of community. We respect each other. This is a place where people thrive.