Council names Martin Puckett
first deputy city manager
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill’s loss is Presque Isle’s gain, following City Council’s appointment of Martin Puckett — town manager of the three communities — as deputy city manager during Monday night’s meeting.
City Manager Jim Bennett explained the process of creating the position of deputy city manager and how Puckett was selected to fill the position.
“Back last year councilors met to do the annual goal-setting process,” said Bennett, noting one objective he was given by City Council was to set the guidelines for a deputy city manager.
The position was deemed necessary based on three factors, he said.
“The purpose of creating the position was threefold: to be able to replace and augment department heads under recent changes, have someone involved in the direction and focus of the community and, in the event I’m not here, short term (if the city manager is away on business, on vacation, etc.),” said Bennett, “then hopefully find someone to eventually step into the role of city manager when I’m not here.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MARTIN PUCKETT 
was appointed deputy city manager at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Puckett had served as town manager of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill since the fall of 2008 and is tentatively scheduled to begin his new role by the end of March, in order to assist with the annual town meetings for those three communities. Puckett is pictured here signing his contract for his new job, as Presque Isle City Manager Jim Bennett looks on.
Bennett provided councilors with an overview of changes that have taken effect over the past year, including the elimination and consolidation of department heads and reduction in staff.
“Out of 105 full-time positions, it impacted 31, with 12 eliminated, five downgraded or changed and one created with the deputy city manager. In 2011 we had 11 department heads; under this proposal we will have seven,” said Bennett. “Annually, that equates to a savings of just over $720,614.”
The city manager said 40-45 applications were received from across the country for the position and several candidates were interviewed.
“My recommendation is that Martin is the best for the position,” Bennett said. “He has a master’s degree in public administration, has served as town manager for a couple smaller communities. I think he’s very bright and will emerge to be one of the leaders in this area.”
Puckett, in his new position, will assume the department head role for human resources — formerly directed by LaNiece Winslow — and planning and development — formerly directed by Ken Arndt. Winslow and Arndt will continue with their respective duties.
“I have personally known Martin for eight years. We first met and worked together during his tenure as the Livermore Falls town manager. I was able to watch him assist that community in some very challenging situations. During his time there, he had to negotiate the labor contracts,” said Bennett.
“His colleagues think so highly of him that he was elected to be a part of the Board of Directors of the Maine Town and City Management Association. He currently serves as vice president and will be the president of the Association within the next two years. He also has been selected to serve on the Maine Municipal Association Health Trust,” Bennett continued.
Bennett said the difference between his management style and Puckett’s will be a benefit to the city.
“He’s a soft-spoken guy who has a slower approach to change than I have, which I think will be helpful. He’s not only well-respected here but throughout the state,” said Bennett.
Salary for the position, as approved by City Council in the 2012 budget, was $56,000 annually.
Puckett came to Aroostook County, assuming the duties of town manager for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill on Sept. 29, 2008, following the retirement of Town Manager John Edgecomb. The decision to take that position was based on the fact his wife, Kari Wells Puckett, is originally from the area and wanted to move here to raise a family. The couple reside in Presque Isle with their daughter, Sabine.
Councilor Peter Hallowell made the motion to confirm Bennett’s appointment of Puckett as the deputy city manager, with a second by Jessica Chase-Smith. The motion passed by a vote of 5-1, with Councilor Richard Engels, who works with Puckett’s wife, abstaining. Council Chair Emily Smith was not present for the meeting.
