People
(from the October 2007 Maine Townsman)

William Baker, a 33-year law enforcement officer from Seabrook, New Hampshire, including a stint at the U.S. Department of Justice, has been named Westbrook police chief. Baker began his career as a patrolman in Cumberland, Maine, while waiting to reach the 21-year age limit set for New Hampshire police.

Wells Police Chief Richard Connelly resigned in early September, ending a 30-year career with the department – the past 11 years as chief.

Union Selectman Abraham Knight has resigned his seat 10 months before his latest term expires. Knight cited personal reasons for leaving the post, which he has held for nearly a decade.

Lisbon Town Manager Curtis Lunt resigned his position after apparent disagreements with selectmen over the direction of the town he has managed for 15 years. Lunt was hired in Lisbon after serving as manager of North Conway, N.H. All told, Lunt has 32 years of experience in municipal government, including managing the Maine towns of Monson, Veazie and Skowhegan. Police Chief David Brooks has been named interim manager. Lunt’s resignation took effect on August 22. In October, Lunt was named the new town manager in Monmouth, replacing Paul Bird who has retired.

Rockland Police Officer Troy Peasley has been chosen to run the final leg of the International Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics in Shanghai, China, in early October. Peasley has been recognized for his commitment to Special Olympics in Maine and its 3,000 athletes.

Michael Murray has been hired as the city of Portland’s new liaison to its islands and neighborhoods. Murray, former general manager of a Portland-based funeral home chain, worked for the city from 1999 to 2002 as cemetery division manager and downtown district manager.

Kevin Tingley, a longtime Houlton Public Works Department employee, has been named the town’s new code enforcement officer. Tingley replaces Wade Hanson, who was promoted to director of community development, planning and grant management.

Michelle Beal has moved from acting city manager in Ellsworth to the real thing. Beal was unanimously selected by the city council on September 17 to fill the city manager post that was occupied by Stephen Gunty until he resigned in June. Beal has worked in Ellsworth city government since 1995, being hired as treasurer in 1997 and then being appointed to the newly-created position of finance director in 2000.

Farmingdale Selectman David Ranslow has resigned, effective next January, citing personal and business commitments.

Among the municipal officials who died recently were: Deane Jones, long-time Mount Vernon selectman and state legislator-elect from House District 83 in early September; Sylvia Lund of Augusta on September 18, a two-term state legislator and three-term Augusta City Councilor; Beverly Harmon, 73, former EMT for the town of Sebago, on August 6; Hazel Littlefield, 82, former 20-year New Gloucester town office secretary and tax collector, on September 6, in New Gloucester, from injuries sustained in a car accident; and Bangor Police Officer Randall Parsons, 39, on August 29 in Bangor, of cancer.