HOULTON, Maine — Town officials on Tuesday evening hired a familiar face to serve as its community and economic development director and also selected a new hire for its public works department.
Town Councilors approved the hiring of Nancy Ketch as community development director and grant writer. Ketch is a familiar face in the community, Town Manager Butch Asselin noted. She worked 14 years in the local branch office of Maine Revenue Services, has more than 27 years experience as the past director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, and is a former Houlton town councilor.
After Ketch was unanimously approved for the position, Councilor Sue Tortello said she was “delighted” to have her in the position.
Ketch replaces Lori Weston, who resigned in late summer after about three years in the position to take a job in the private sector.
Also, Christopher J. Stewart was hired as the new public works director. Asselin said the town’s hiring committee interviewed four people for the position before selecting Stewart, who has 12 years of experience and was previously employed by the Houlton Water Company.
He replaces Leigh Stilwell, who stepped down on July 14 for personal reasons after nearly 25 years in the position.
Before the meeting ended, Fred Grant, the owner of WHOU 100.1 FM, reminded the public about the council and candidates forum that would be sponsored by the radio station and moderated by its staff members later this month.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the town council chambers and is a chance for the public to pose questions to the candidates. The school board candidates will debate first, followed by the councilors.
There are five people seeking three open slots on the town council: Matthew Carr, Paul Cleary, Brent Dickinson, Brian Donnelly and Jane Torres. Cleary is the only incumbent.
There are four candidates vying for three open seats on the RSU 29 school board: Susan McLaughlin, Rosa McNally, Sue Tortello and Darryl Scott White.