(from the November 2007 Maine Townsman)
Irma Bowles, veteran Livermore register of voters, was recently awarded the prestigious Lorraine M. Fleury Award for outstanding dedication and contributions to the Maine election process. Bowles, 92, was appointed by selectmen in 1967 and continues her work 40 years later, with two interruptions over the decades to run for the Maine Legislature and step aside when her husband served as selectman. The Livermore Town Office staff nominated Bowles for the state award.
Denis Castonguay of East Wilton has been named public works director for the town of Farmington. Castonguay served for six years as public works foreman for the town of Livermore Falls and will be replaced there by Billy Nichols, who previously worked as a crew member under Castonguay. Castonguay replaces Mitch Boulette, longtime public works director, who died earlier this year.
Jack Driscoll started work as Northport’s first town administrator in October. The former Massachusetts attorney had lived in Northport part-time for 20 years before moving to the community four years ago. Driscoll was one of 22 applicants for the job.
James Gailey has been named city manager of South Portland, beating out nine other “strong” candidates, councilors said. Gailey, 36, has worked for the city in various positions for 20 years, including collecting trash during college break one year. Gailey, presently assistant city manager, has twice served as acting city manager in the past two years. The council announced it would confirm Gailey on November 14.
Dean Grivois has been hired as town manager of Van Buren, replacing Larry Cote. Grivois has a business degree but no previous municipal experience. He worked previously as project manager for Healthy Maine Partnerships at Cary Medical Center in Caribou.
William Labombarde has resigned as police chief of Lincolnville to accept the same job in Waldoboro, effective November 19. Labombarde will take over the department at a stressful time, when questions and concerns linger over the recent shooting death of a teenager by a town reserve police officer. Labombarde worked as Lincolnville chief since late 2004 and has 14 years’ experience in law enforcement.
Biddeford City Clerk Clairma Matherne will retire at year’s end after serving as clerk for 17 years. Matherne was described as “committed” and “so professional” when she announced her plans in October.
Tammy Mote has been named Ellsworth finance director, replacing Michelle Beal, who was promoted from her top financial post to city manager last month. Mote, an Ellsworth native, served as the town’s deputy treasurer since 2000. [CORRECTION: Last month, the Townsman incorrectly identified the new Ellsworth City Manager, Michelle Beal, as being the Belfast manager. The Belfast City Manager is Joe Slocum. Our apologies to both!]
Old Orchard Beach Town Manager James Thomas has accepted the manager’s job in East Hampton, Conn., after a sometimes-stormy relationship with councilors. In leaving the job after four years, Thomas said he had “reached an impasse” with the council over several major issues.