Jon Duke
Newcastle has found its new town administrator, selecting Hope Town Administrator Jon Duke for the position.
“I’m excited to jump in and get started,” Duke said. “I’ve been in Hope for 10 years, so I don’t take the move lightly, but this seems like a perfect fit for a number of reasons.”
Duke has also served as Hope’s code enforcement officer, general assistance administrator, and plumbing inspector.
In addition to his role as town administrator, Duke said he will also serve as Newcastle’s treasurer.
Duke originally applied for the job a few years ago after the resignation of David Bolling in 2013. Duke said he enjoyed his conversations with the Newcastle Board of Selectmen and the hiring committee.
“Newcastle seems to be a town that is poised to do some great things,” Duke said. “The townspeople seem to really want to improve the town and continue to make it better. That enthusiasm is infectious, and only seems to have grown.”
One of the projects Duke is excited about in Newcastle is the ongoing public planning process. Duke said it is similar to work he has done in Hope.
When he starts on July 5, Duke said he looks forward to meeting and having conversations with the people of Newcastle.
“Meeting the people is first and foremost,” Duke said. “As town administrator, you’re not elected, but you’re still representing the people and their interests.”
In addition, Duke said he is looking forward to working with the other town employees.
“When it comes to town government, everyone wears multiple hats. You can’t just do one thing well, you have to do multiple things well,” Duke said. “In a small office, you really have to be a team and work together to help each other.”
Duke lives in Rockport with his wife, Joanna, and their two sons.
Duke informed the Hope Board of Selectmen of his resignation June 7.
Newcastle Board of Selectmen Chairman Brian Foote formally announced Duke’s hiring during the board’s meeting at the town office Monday, June 13. “He should be a good asset to the town moving forward,” Foote said.
Newcastle Town Administrator Lynn Maloney’s last day is June 30. Maloney has worked for the town of Newcastle for 24 years, having first been appointed as town clerk in April 1992.
