As the city manager of Presque Isle, I feel privileged and profoundly responsible for serving this community — a place I love. Every day, I am reminded of what makes Presque Isle truly special: the people who define it.
I admire the hardworking men and women who rise early each morning, ready to meet the day with grit and determination. I see the farmers making their way through town, and their tractors are a proud symbol of the perseverance that has kept this community strong for generations. The rumble of tractor-trailers on our streets is a comforting reminder of the industry that keeps our economy moving forward.
I cherish the fact that our children can walk to school, safe and sound, surrounded by neighbors who care for them as their own. Our community comes together in remarkable ways — whether it’s at the farmers market, where fresh produce and warm smiles are shared, or during one of our many festivals that celebrate the rich traditions we hold dear. We look out for one another because that’s what County folk do.
Our small business owners are the backbone of Presque Isle, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and community care. Their warm smiles greet us as we enter their shops, and their dedication to serving our community goes far beyond their business hours. These owners are not just merchants; they are our partners in building a better future, contributing to local causes, and forming the partnerships that make our town thrive.
Preserving our history isn’t just a priority; it’s a passion here in Presque Isle. Whether it’s supporting our local dairy bar, a beloved gathering spot where memories are made, or coming together to protect our heritage sites, we recognize that our past is the bedrock upon which we will build our future.
As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we work together to forge our path forward. The County was built on hard work and sweat equity, and it’s this same spirit that will guide us into the next chapter. But as we move ahead, let us choose harmony over division, empathy over blame, and grace above all. This is our opportunity to define the identity of our city for the next 100 years, and to do so, we must come together as one community, united in purpose and vision.
Change is never easy, and it will come with challenges. Funds will need to be spent, and as costs rise, so too must our revenues. We must adopt a business-minded approach to ensure that the burden on our taxpayers remains manageable, all while maintaining our unique culture that we hold so dear. Let’s face these challenges together, as one community, each individual with a purpose and mission to ensure the future of the Star City.
This is our time, Presque Isle, to take the hard-won knowledge of our foundation builders and combine it with modern ideas that will secure a vibrant, thriving future for our city and perhaps even our county. Together, with unity and understanding, we can ensure that Presque Isle remains a great place to live for generations to come.
No matter the outcome of the Downtown Village Partnership Initiative discussion, change will come. Collectively we will define it.
Tyler Brown is Presque Isle’s city manager. He can be reached at 760-2780 or via email at tbrown@presqueisleme.us.
