Gorham’s town manager will retire this fall after four decades in local government.

David Cole started his job in Gorham in 1994. With his 65th birthday approaching in May, Cole decided it was time to retire. His last day will be Sept. 29.

“After 40 years, I think I’ve taken one vacation,” Cole said. “I finally took a two-week vacation in January. I haven’t had a lot of time to sit back and ponder what I’ll do next. I think that will occur sometime after I retire.”

Cole grew up in Tremont on Mount Desert Island, and he decided to pursue a career in local government while studying at the University of Maine. He worked in Baileyville, China, Lincoln and then Old Town before he came to Gorham.

In his March 2 resignation letter, Cole praised the staff and elected officials in Gorham. He noted the town is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state.

“I have been very fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful, dedicated and supportive folks who have served on the Gorham Town Council,” he wrote. “Together we have accomplished many important projects that have helped make Gorham a wonderful place to live and work. I believe that is one of the reasons that there continues to be a strong demand from people who want to move here.”

He closed his letter by thanking his wife.

“Finally, after allowing me to work for nearly 40 years as a Town Manager (23 in Gorham) with its hectic and constantly changing schedule, I want to thank my wife, Kathy, for all of her support and patience,” he wrote.

Megan Doyle can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

mdoyle@pressherald.com

Twitter: megan_e_doyle

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