One of my philosophies in life is to “live life with no regrets.” So I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly express my appreciation to Steve Crane, retired general manager for the Cross Insurance Arena, formerly known as the Cumberland County Civic Center.

I have great respect for Steve’s legacy. He was the civic center in so many ways.

Cumberland County government, of course, has a unique relationship with the civic center, with the appointment of the trustees by the county commissioners and our fiscal responsibilities. I have attended hundreds of civic center meetings over the past 16 years, and rarely, if ever, was Steve not present and available with his beneficial insights and knowledge.

On a personal note, all the parents out there can appreciate how their children can be like barometers on certain situations and people. Well, my children are certainly no exception.

When I became county manager 16 years ago, my daughters were 6 and 2 at the time. Over the years my wife and I have taken them to many events, and they have always asked if we could stop to see Steve Crane before we left for home!

Steve Crane set a fine example for the motto “How high you go is a reflection of how deeply you care.” You could just as easily find him stringing Christmas lights one day as you could attending a trustees meeting the next. He was there through thick and thin for 36 years, with most of those serving as the general manager.

As we look to the future and the new opportunities that present themselves, the trustees and the commissioners know that a strong foundation has been built that in no small measure is due to the many contributions of Steve Crane and his very capable team.

Peter Crichton

Cumberland County manager

Portland

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