Conlogue, a Houlton native, is no stranger to town government, having spent the past 13 years as Millinocket’s manager. He also served as the town manager in Fort Fairfield and Washburn for several years.
Conlogue was one of handful of finalists for the position, but last month, the council unanimously chose Wade Hanson, a former code officer and economic and community development director for the town, for the position. Council Chairman Paul Cleary stated at that time that Hanson was given the nod because of his familiarity with the town and the fact that he was local.
The move was not without a small amount of public criticism, since in order for the council to hire Hanson, a change was needed to the personnel policy because Hanson’s mother serves as the town’s treasurer. Hanson had a change of heart and stepped down from the position two weeks later before every officially taking over.
Few would argue the fact that Hanson cares deeply about the town of Houlton. After all, he spent 11 years working in town government and many feel he would have made a fine town manager. Perhaps, at some point in the future, he will have a second opportunity.
The simple fact that he stepped down after taking the position because he did not want any perceived “good old boys” network discussions taking place is a prime example of just how much he cares about the community.
If he had second thoughts, stepping down was probably the smartest decision for both him and the town, as difficult as it was. In a letter to the newspaper published last week, Hanson elaborated on his change of heart.
“The citizens and taxpayers of the town of Houlton need to find trust in their elected officials and administration. This process appears to have tainted that trust and I am not willing to be the cause of that. The Town Council and its constituents need to make every effort to be working toward the greater good of the community. Both need to consider what will best fertilize the growth of the plantation, not what may spark the fire to burn it down.”
Now, the focus will shift to Conlogue as the town’s new figurehead. Taking over as a town manager given the current economic climate is no easy task. In an interview with the Houlton Pioneer Times, Conlogue said economic development would be his top priority once he comes on board Oct. 15. Holding the line on tax increases is another key issue for him.
The newspaper welcomes Conlogue back home to Houlton and looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship.
Joseph Cyr is a staff writer for the Houlton Pioneer Times. He can be reached at pioneertimes@nepublish.com or 532-2281.
