Greenville seeks new town manager

GREENVILLE — The town of Greenville is looking for a new town manager after the two-year contract with Jesse Crandall was not renewed. Town officials declined to comment as to why, as did members of the Town Select Board. Crandall, who received an annual salary of $62,585 and was nearing the end of his second year in the position, also declined comment saying that he was simply informed his contract would not be renewed.

Jack Hart, who has made Greenville his home for more than 13 years and has worked with the town in many capacities over that length of time, stepped out of retirement and agreed to be Interim Town Manager until the select board chooses a full-time replacement.

Jack Hart, Interim Town Manager of Greenville, attends to the day-to-day operations of running the town until a new town manager can be found.

“The bottom line is that Jesse’s contract was not renewed,” Hart said, when asked about the recent turn of events. “He was put on administrative leave September 25th until his contract ran out October 11th. There was a special Town Meeting on September 28th, and at that time I was asked to help. I felt that this was something I could do during the transition period.”

Hart and Crandall have been friends for some time. “From where I stood, I was an employee of the town for a while and then I was away for a while but I could see that Jesse was accomplishing projects here. Please remember,” he continued, “I’m not privy to much regarding this, and I would prefer it that way. Jesse and I are good friends and enjoy each other’s company – and I am glad that has not changed.”

Hart comes from Bath, Maine. “I grew up in Bath and I never expected to leave,” he said. “In fact, I said I never would – but then I discovered Greenville and I feel that this is my hometown now. One of the reasons I said I would do this is because of the people in this organization — they know what they are doing and care deeply about this town.” He paused and leaned back in his chair for a minute. “I’m essentially here to keep the ship afloat and bring some stability back through this transition. And, hopefully, get the place prepared to make the transition smoother for the new town manager.”

Former Greenville Town Manager Jesse Crandall

Hart acknowledged that although Greenville is a great town, it could be tough to bring someone new here. “Hopefully they will have that certain skill set to bring to the table along with a passion to live and work in this beautiful place,” he said.

Bonnie DuBien, Chair of Greenville’s Select Board, echoed what Hart had to say in regards to finding a new town manager. “At this point, we need to move forward. We are looking for that special individual that would like to be here for the long-term and celebrate the fact that the caring people of Greenville are some of the nicest and most dedicated you’d ever want to find. Plus, we’d like them to discover the fact that Greenville is truly a wonderful place to live.”

The town’s mission statement incorporates all the qualities sought in their next town manager: “The Town of Greenville, Maine strives to promote and improve quality of life, enhancing a sense of community, and preserving the integrity of our small-town identity and heritage. We are committed to fostering respect, decorum, and hospitality. Town government supports initiatives that create a welcoming and affordable environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike. We strive to provide excellence through a responsible and accessible Town government. We encourage public participation and collaboration from our citizens and businesses. Greenville welcomes all to join in our renaissance.”

According to the town website, their elected five-person select board oversees the town government and, as stated earlier, will choose the next town manager, who will in turn be responsible to the select board. Select Board members meet at the Town Meeting Hall on Minden Street in Greenville at 6 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month, unless otherwise noted. For information regarding this and other town functions, visit: www.greenvilleme.com and stay tuned regarding the selection process.