To the editor:
I am writing you today to express my feelings and thoughts regarding my recent consideration as town manager for the Town of Houlton and to give some back story to the actual proceedings that occurred through the hiring process. This letter is not a rebuttal to past letters to you but an explanation of my position and the facts that led to my application for the position and decision to rescind that submission.
As a life-long resident of Houlton, with a short stint in the greater Bangor region, I have dedicated my career and interests to the betterment of the Shiretown. My 11-year tenure with the municipality taught me the importance of well-rounded decisions for the good of the community as an unabridged group and not to have agendas that are detrimental to positive growth.
Though I understand the concerns that have arisen from the process that was being considered for policy change, I felt it was necessary to offer my feelings associated with the Council’s decision for offering me the manager’s position.
We are living in a small town of 6,500 residents, many of whom are related either through marriage or family ties. This, in and of itself, makes it difficult to find employment opportunities that don’t offer nepotism possibilities. To question the elected officials that you as voters placed in office is again unnecessary. The Council made a decision based on resumes/experience and interviews, not on personal feelings or friendships. Sixty-four applications had to be reviewed, considered and narrowed down to a final choice. Not an easy task in any way, shape or form!
Though some may disagree, the Council and interim town manager chose who they felt was the best candidate based on this process. 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.
In closing, I would like to thank each and every one of my family and friends that were so gracious and supportive to Carol, the girls and I through this process. I feel I would have been a genuine asset to the people of Houlton and could have helped to provide a stable transition from past efforts that are creating development today, continue to move seamlessly forward into the future. This being said and after careful consideration, I have decided to retract my application and will be remaining an employee of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians as Economic Development Director. HBMI has been kind enough to allow me to stay and cultivate their vision to provide opportunities under the guidance and forward thinking of the Tribal Council. Only the progressive can progress!
I sincerely wish the Houlton Town Council and Interim Town Manager the best of luck in finding a new manager. If I can be of any help now or in the future please do not hesitate to call. To the Council, in my opinion, you have the right person in the job now!
Wade Hanson
Houlton
