Continuing the game of musical chairs amongst local town administrators, Richmond has announced it will bring the town of Durham’s administrative assistant on board to serve as its new town manager.

Janet Smith of Wiscasset was chosen for the position from a pool of 14 applications from as far away as Georgia, an announcement from selectmen stated. Selectmen interviewed six candidates and re-interviewed two all in the same day. Both of the finalists came highly recommended, but the board agreed unanimously that Smith “best fit what the town needed and that she would foster a positive atmosphere for both employees and citizens.”

The Board of Selectmen’s statement also stated that Smith “brings a wonderful, diverse background of municipal service with her and will be a great fit with the staff. The Board believes that her demeanor and management style will complement the staff and allow them to thrive in an encouraging work environment.”

Smith currently serves as the town administrator for Durham, where she has been employed since February 2011. She will start her manager position with Richmond Sept. 10.

The final details of a threeyear contract with Smith are still in the works so Board Chairperson Peter Warner couldn’t say what Smith’s salary will be; selectmen anticipate significant savings.

Marian Anderson of Boothbay had served as Richmond’s town manager sine 2009, but left the position Aug. 6 to serve as Wiscasset’s town manager.

Richmond chose to undertake the search for a new manager without hiring an interim manager.

“Richmond is fortunate to have a highly capable and dedicated staff that all stepped up to the plate and worked extremely hard for the taxpayers to allow the savings of not paying for an interim manager,” Warner said. “I want to personally thank each of them publicly for their willingness to put forth the extra effort during this process. We have asked a lot from them and they have proven that the Richmond staff is second to none.”

The 48-year-old Smith is a Maine native originally from Jefferson; she has served as administrative assistant in Durham since 2011 and has also served as the treasurer, tax collector and deputy clerk in West Bath. Stepping into the role of town manager is a natural step, she said, not a move she is making because she was displeased in her other job. It is just the right time and place, she said Wednesday. Richmond is a great town, “and the people I have met in Richmond… I think it’s going to be a very good fit.”

Richmond is a place where Smith said she can see staying as long as the town will have her. There is a lot going on in the town right now, and much still to happen in the busy community.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the staff and their dedication to the town,” she said, “so I’m really looking forward to meeting them and seeing what I can do to help.”

Smith will serve her last full day in Durham Sept. 9 and continue to help with the transition one day a week. The administrative assistant position has been posted on the Maine Municipal Association website and will soon appear in local papers and on the Durham’s website. The town has a Sept. 19 deadline for applications so they can begin reviewing applications the week of Sept. 22.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu