Town manager candidate review will begin after election

6 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — More than a month after the former town manager’s resignation, several candidates have submitted applications for the position, according to municipal officials.

Interim Town Manager Cathy O’Leary said during a Town Council meeting on Monday evening that she has received several resumes but that councilors will wait until after the upcoming election to review them.

Councilors agreed to wait until new members have been elected to begin considering the applications.

There are two, three-year seats available on the council, with candidates Christian Robinson and Terry Joseph McKenna looking to fill those seats. Both incumbents, Rosa McNally and Sue Waite-York, opted not to seek re-election.

There also are no contested races for school board, marking the second time in three years that has happened.

William D. MacDonald resigned suddenly on Sept. 4 after less than nine months on the job. No reason was publically revealed for the resignation.

MacDonald was unanimously approved as Houlton’s town manager during a special council meeting on Nov. 6, 2017, and began work on Nov. 28. He replaced Butch Asselin, who left the post after three years to pursue a similar job in Oxford. Asselin also served as Houlton’s police chief for seven years.

Councilors appointed O’Leary to serve as interim town manager, a title she has held numerous times in the past.

The town immediately began advertising for the position, according to O’Leary.

Referring to the Nov. 6 election, O’Leary said on Monday evening that there is still time for residents to fill out absentee ballots. Anyone with questions can contact the Town Office at 532-7111.