People
(from the October 2008 Maine Townsman)

Dixfield Selectmen have named Eugene Skibitsky as town manager. Skibitsky is a former selectman and resident of Dixfield with over 30 years experience with Western Maine Transportation. He started his new duties on October 1.  He replaces Tom Richmond who returned to his former job as town manager in Carmel.

John Graves has been hired as finance director for the town of Mount Desert. Graves, who has lived in Maine for seven years, served as financial officer for a number of departments for the city of San Jose, California, for 26 years. Graves has worked as a boatbuilder since retiring and moving to Maine.

The Belfast fire station has been named in honor of longtime Fire Chief James Richards Sr., who at 77 continues to lead the department after 34 years. The city council held a special meeting in late September, attended by 50 guests, as Mayor Walter Ash presented a surprised Richards with a resolve. A plaque is being created that will name the station in honor of Richards and his many years of “meritorious service”. Richards has served as fire chief longer than anyone else in the city’s history.

Barbara Seaver has been named New Gloucester town clerk, road commissioner, tax collector and welfare director while selectmen search for a replacement for Rosemary Kulow. Kulow resigned as town manager in September after five years in the position. Seaver has served in a number of positions over a long career with the town, most recently as deputy town clerk and tax collector, among other jobs.

Falmouth Town Clerk Kathleen Babeu has resigned. She has served as town clerk since January 2001. Deputy Tax Collector Ellen Planer will work as acting town clerk until year’s end.

Livermore Falls selectmen have named Kristal Flagg interim town manager while the board looks for a replacement for Martin Puckett, who will take over theAroostook County tri-towns of Castle Hill, Chapman and Mapleton in October. Flagg is presently town clerk and treasurer.

Paul Moshimer has been hired as fire chief for the town of Kennebunkport. Moshimer presently works as a full-time firefighter/EMT in Alfred and was formerly chief of the Wildwood Fire Department through the mid-1990s, which covered one district of the Kennebunkport community. Moshimer began his new job on October 6.

Biddeford Code Enforcement Officer Timothy Nelson has resigned effective October 3. Nelson, who has worked for the city for seven years, said he was stepping down for personal reasons.

David Pearson has been named interim Dexter town manager, replacing Judy Doore, who resigned September 4. Pearson has held the title of temporary manager in the past and has worked for Dexter for 20 years in various positions.

Sebago Town Manager Robert Nicholson has resigned effective November 1. He has served the town since October 2006, replacing David Hague. Nicholson has given selectmen time to find a replacement.

Holden Fire Chief James Ellis has taken on the added responsibility of fire chief in nearby Eddington, replacing Fire Chief Gene Kelso, who resigned in May. The arrangement is the latest in Maine as small, rural departments who have been working together on the ground for decades and are now deciding to share a top fire services administrator.

Brunswick Town Manager Donald Gerrish will retire at year’s end after almost 20 years in the job, he announced this week. Gerrish said he’s been considering retiring for some time and wants to do “something different” after his municipal career. Gerrish’s municipal career includes working as Brunswick assistant town manager, as assistant Auburn city manager, and as Gorham town manager.

Scarborough has hired Thomas Hall as the new town manager. Rockland city manager for nine years, Hall replaces Ronald Owens, who is retiring in late October after eight years.