Wiscasset Town Manager Soon to Leave Post

Wiscasset’s Town Manager Laurie Smith will leave her post Feb. 7, 2014, to become Kennebunkport’s town manager. Smith submitted her resignation to the board of selectmen Dec. 10, and broke the news to town employees the next day during the weekly office meeting.

It is clear from those with whom she’s worked over the years, that her work will be remembered in Wiscasset.

During an interview with The Lincoln County News Dec. 16, Smith reflected on her three and a half year tenure. “I am the proudest that we didn’t move Wiscasset forward in just one area, we have moved it forward in a variety of areas,” she said.

When Smith took over as town manager in June 2010, Wiscasset previous town manager had left, the previous town clerk was facing charges for theft, and the town was working with interim town manager Donald Gerrish while a search was underway for a permanent replacement.

Gerrish assisted the board of selectmen during the selection and interview process that led to Smith’s hiring.

Smith was a good choice, according to Selectman Judy Colby. “I am very sad to see her go; she has done a lot for this town. I classify her as a friend and I am going to miss her. Kennebunkport is getting a gem,” Colby said.

“When I look back over the past 70 years, I think of the people I have met that have really made a difference in my lifetime,” Selectman Ed Polewarczyk said. “There are very few, and Laurie Smith is one of those people.”

Polewarczyk also said he was saddened and surprised by her resignation, but certainly wished her well.

Wiscasset Budget Committee Chairman Bob Blagden also sat on the board that hired Smith. “It’s too bad we can’t find a town manager that wants to be part of the community and move here,” he said. “I believe we have had seven town managers in the past 10 years.”

Smith has been the longest serving town manager, since the town voted for a five-man board of selectmen and a town manager for of government in 2001.

Smith said she is proud of the accomplishments that have been made by the team of town employees and volunteers to make Wiscasset a better place than it was when she came on board. “Team work among departments allows them to do a better job for the town,” Smith said.

In her letter of resignation to the selectmen she said, “I am pleased to be able to leave the community in a much more stable financial position than it was when I came.”

Smith said during interview, among her first priorities when coming to town were to develop policies that created efficiencies and accountability within the town government. Policies that have been created included a personnel policy, a job description policy, capital reserve policy. tax acquired property policy, a new hiring process policy, and several others.

Smith is also credited with obtaining resources for the town to rebuild the infrastructure to Wiscasset, such as the waterfront pier projects the wastewater infrastructure, and the recent grant for the design study for the boardwalk along Wiscasset’s waterfront. Recently she has been working on the expansion project for Rynel Inc., which should be decided before she leaves town.

Although Smith did not live in Wiscasset, she participated in all town events, such as the Business after Hours events sponsored by local businesses, concerts on the common, Fourth of July, Christmas celebrations, and other special events throughout the year.

Sue Varney said, “It was the saddest staff meeting I had ever attended when Laurie announced she was leaving,” said long time Wiscasset assessing agent, Sue Varney. “She taught us how to be better employees, she taught us the importance of our jobs, and that we should be proud of what we do, because what we do is very important to the town. We have been very fortunate to have her for as long as we have.”

“She has been a tremendous asset to the town,” said Wiscasset Town Clerk Christine Wolfe. “She has made me a better clerk, and has encouraged my professional growth. I can’t believe we are going to lose her. Just look at what she has done for the town since she came.”

The town’s newest employee Ellin Jasmin said during a recent interview, “Although I have only been here a short time, I can see that she is on top of things. She doesn’t micro manage, but she knows exactly what is going on. She has been a tremendous help to me.”

Smith admits her job has not always been easy, but said it has been worthwhile. “I believe that the Wiscasset today is more business friendly and prepared to move forwards attracting quality economic development opportunities to provide good jobs,” she said.

Smith also mentioned the Molnlyoke expansion, the Mason Station properties, the Ferry Road I-Park, the Wiscasset Airport, the Downtown Village,and Route I Commercial area are all being positively impacted with the sound planning being provided by the Town Planner Misty Parker, along with state officials.

‘I have enjoyed working in Wiscasset, and I don’t look forward in leaving,” Smith said, “But an an opportunity like this comes up once in a person’s lifetime, and I decided to explore it.”

Kennebunkport Interim Town Manager John Fraser said there were 55 applicants that applied for the town manager’s position. When he was asked why Smith stood out among those candidates he said, “It was her capabilities and her personality”.

Fraser said he feels bad for Wiscasset losing Smith. “I would feel bad for any town losing their town manager, especially when it is a good one.”