GRAY — Town Council Chairman Lewis Mancini has resigned, a move announced at Tuesday night’s council meeting when Councilor Lynn Gallagher read Mancini’s letter of resignation to the audience. The council then voted 4-0 to accept his resignation. 

Mancini, who had been on the council since 2011, had only served as chairman a few months. He assumed the role after the former council chairman, Matt Sturgis, resigned to become the town manager of Cape Elizabeth in January. 

Mancini, a building contractor, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. In his letter, he cited his belief that he could no longer make a difference on the council. 

“As much as I have enjoyed being on the council it has become clear to me that there is not much more that I can do to have a real impact on the status quo,” Mancini wrote. “The commitment of time and effort that goes in to being a councilor is well worth it if you feel you can make a difference. I no longer feel, and have not for some time, that I could or would make that difference.” 

Mancini went on to say in the letter that he “will always cherish the time I spent representing the citizens that elected me. It has been quite a ride and is something I will never forget.”

He finished by thanking the town manager, town staff, other councilors and “the great citizens of the town of Gray.” 

In her report during the meeting Tuesday night, Town Manager Deborah Cabana expressed her respect for Mancini and his commitment to Gray. 

“I worked with Lew for the last six years,” she said. “Lew is definitely dedicated to this community. I have a great deal of respect for him, and I wanted to publicly thank him for his dedication to the community and for working alongside of this council and myself.” 

Gallagher, who had been acting vice chairwoman, now assumes the role of acting chairwoman. 

She said that the council will not move to fill Mancini’s seat, as his term was already set to expire in June. The now vacant seat is expected to be filled during the town’s normal election process in June. 

Gallagher said that “it doesn’t make sense to have someone else come in” for the the remaining council meetings between now and the town election. 

The four remaining members of the council voted to name Councilor Richard Barter as the new vice chairman. 

Matt Junker can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @MattJunker.

Lewis Mancini has resigned as chairman of the Gray Town Council.