People
(from the July 2007 Maine Townsman)

Scott Tilton has been named administrative assistant to the selectmen in North Yarmouth, replacing Scott Seaver who will step down after nearly 26 years on June 30. Seaver has been the only administrative assistant to serve the town of North Yarmouth. Tilton previously served the communities of Exeter, Dixfield and Winterport, and owned and operated Central Maine Auto Auction in Hermon, which he recently sold to his brother.

Freeport Selectman John Arsenault resigned in June to move to Florida and begin “a new chapter of my life.” Arsenault was first elected to the board in 1998.

Gregory Gill became the first town manager of Sabattus in early June, from a field of 20 initial candidates. Gill has worked as manager in Readfield and Minot, as well as code enforcement officer and assistant manager of Livermore Falls.

Ellsworth City Manager Stephen Gunty has resigned his position after three years.

St. Agatha Town Manager Ryan Pelletier has been named 2007 Public Administrator of the Year by the Maine chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. The award recognizes public administrators at every level of government who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, ability and exemplary public service. Pelletier, who is working towards a master's degree in public administration, is the immediate past president of the Maine Municipal Association. He was named "Rookie of the Year" in 2001 by the Maine Town and City Management Association.

Laurie Smith has been named interim city manager of Auburn, replacing longtime manager Patricia Finnigan, who accepted an assistant city manager's job in Portland, effective last month.

Dana Lee has been named manager of the town of Poland, one year after he left municipal government to work as a lobbyist, real estate agent and consultant. Lee, 45, managed Mechanic Falls for 16 years. He was named manager of the year in 2004 and served as MMA president a year later. Lee replaces Richard Chick, who served as Poland manager for 33 years before resigning earlier this year.

Pamela Grimshaw has replaced Gregory Davis as town manager of Wayne, while Davis was hired in early July as the town of Kingfield’s first administrative assistant. Wayne selectmen appointed Martha Bennett as town clerk and registrar of voters.