Public Works director takes road to retirement
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GERRY JAMES made his farewell speech during City Council’s July 6 meeting at City Hall. James is retiring after 25 years working with the Public Works Department, including nearly two decades as director. James held back tears as he expressed his feelings about the city and its residents. Pictured from left are City Manager Jim Bennett listening as James recalls a quarter century of serving the city.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Longtime director of Presque Isle’s Public Works Department, Gerry James, is ready to pave the next chapter of his life, following his tearful farewell during Wednesday night’s meeting of City Council.
James shared with councilors and the audience how he began his career with the city, starting his employment with Public Works in 1986.
“Twenty-five years later I can say I loved almost every minute of it. I realized Presque Isle is a good place to work. Thank you all for allowing me to work here,” said James.
Putting others first was a priority for James.
“I always tried to treat people as I would want to be treated myself — with respect and fairness,” he said. “This is a community concept. We’re all equal in my mind. Government cannot and should not be all things to all people.”
James worked closely with his staff, noting the importance of a job well done.
“I tried to impress on my employees the importance of their work. There’s not one thing the city does that can’t be contracted out,” said James, noting there were a lot of things he was proud to be a part of, including achieving and maintaining clear air quality in the community.
He also talked about how, prior to 1989, once snow hit the pavement, it stayed until warmer weather melted it away.
“Prior to 1989, when the snow came, it stayed and you didn’t see pavement until April or May. Now it’s safer for everybody,” said James, referring to methods of snow removal that were implemented during his tenure as Public Works director.
James also spoke of the “working relationship with the Aroostook Band of Mic Macs on the sidewalk/bike path project” a year ago and the work done with UMPI’s Professor Chunzeng Wang and his students on a GIS mapping project that “will save time in the field” with regard to maintenance projects.
His proudest moment as director, according to James, came when the department moved into its new location on the Industrial Park.
“Applying for and received a $700,000 grant to restore the Snark missile hanger — I was especially proud to be a part of the city’s management team then,” said James. “We aren’t an island up there. We rely on everyone.”
James expressed gratitude for those who’d offered him help over the years.
“I want to thank those who offered advice. My wife Carol and sons, Brian and Mike, never complained,” despite the many hours away from home, especially in the winter when snow storms required him to be on duty, rather than home with his family, he said.
“And to Tom Stevens, who appointed me. Whom I learned professional conduct and compassion. I never will forget the compassion he offered our family when we lost our son, Brian,” said James, choking back tears as he spoke.
He also thanked the councilors for their continued support, as he listed some of the many people who’d factored into his long career.
“And to Donna Downing for believing in me and encouraging me to apply and telling me that I could handle it. And finally Larry Clark for his sage advice; he’s been a valuable resource and mentor to me for many years,” said James.
James said the Public Works Department, under his direction, has been a leader not just in the County but sometimes even statewide.
“I’m leaving the department better off than when I took over. It’s well-positioned to move forward. It includes a skilled staff, a modern facility and information services only dreamt of, he said.
He indicated one of the biggest things he’ll miss is “solving problems.” James closed by expressing pride in the community and its people.
“I’m proud of Presque Isle and the people who live here. I’m proud of what we accomplished but am still concerned about what happens here. I’ll be keeping an eye on what takes place here,” said James, nodding at the councilors. “It’s just my time to move on.”
James was given a standing ovation and applauded by all in attendance. With no additional comments from the councilors or City Manager Jim Bennett, James was joined by his wife, Carol, and the couple departed.
