The Westport Island Board of Selectmen announced at its meeting Monday, Nov. 24, it is looking for someone to replace Susan Partelow, who has been the town treasurer, tax collector, and administrative assistant for the past eight years. Partelow is also the recipient of Westport Island’s 2014 Spirit of America Award.
According to First Selectman George Richardson, Partelow plans to leave Westport Island early next year. “It is going to be hard to find someone to fill her shoes,” Richardson said. “We are not going to let her go; we are going to take her passport,” he said with a chuckle.
Partelow announced her intentions to leave the country this past spring. An article was put on the warrant at the June town meeting to hire someone to work with her before she left. The candidates applying for the position will be interviewed by the three selectmen and Partelow, according to the selectmen.
According to the municipal resolution written to nominate Partelow for the Spirit of America Award, she has gone beyond her designated duties to help improve the overall operations of Westport Island’s town government.
She was not only a strong presence at the town office, she also involved herself in volunteering on town committees, serving as a member of the human resources committee, the budget committee, the community association, and the ad hoc history committee.
Public hearing
The selectmen will hold a public hearing on the Greenleaf Cove Association’s request for an property tax abatement at the town office at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1. The selectmen received an email from William Sartoris, president of the Greenleaf Cove Association, confirming the association members will attend the public hearing.
Westport Island receives award
The selectmen said they were surprised to receive the only Spirit of America Golden award that was presented in Lincoln County. The award was presented at a special ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 18 for promoting volunteerism within the town. Westport Island has participated in the Spirit of America Awards for the past four years.
