Longtime councilors Thomas Bartell and David Ennis will be leaving the Windham Town Council as newly elected councilors Carol Waig and John MacKinnon step in to take their place. This ends a long history of service for Ennis, councilor at large, and Ennis, councilor of the East District, who have both served on the council for 12 years.
After their last Town Council meeting on June 7, Councilor Wisecup treated Bartell and Ennis to a homemade chocolate cake made in their honor. As the councilors munched away at the dessert, the pair talked of things far away from politics such as what they will do with their free Tuesday nights.
“I’ll spend more time at home until my wife kicks me out,” Bartell joked.
Bartell, director of facilities and technology for People’s Regional Opportunity Program, said he was pleased to have met and learned from so many people during his time on the council. Though he admits that the pace of the municipal process can be often frustrating, Bartell said he was proud to have had an impact on such issues as economic development in Windham and having helped to “shepherd” through the new Windham High School.
“There’s always been something new coming along that’s interested me and I thought I could add something to the debate,” Bartell said of his long service. “I feel as though I’m out of ideas at this point and that it’s time for someone else to step in.”
Ennis, who has served alongside Bartell for those 12 years, has recently begun a new job as a special education teacher at Westbrook High School. Between teaching at the school and taking evening classes for his masters degree in education, Ennis said he wouldn’t have much time for anything else. Ennis said he was thankful for the experience and the lessons the council has taught him.
“You gain a whole new appreciation (for government) by trying to keep thousands of people happy,” Ennis said.
At the council meeting of May 24, Ennis spoke fondly of his time on the council and encouraged others to get involved.
“People should feel as though they should give this a try,” Ennis said. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences. There’s nothing more intimate or important.”
Both Bartell and Ennis received plaques and were publicly commended for their service at the Windham’s Annual Town Meeting with a standing ovation from the audience. Council Chairman Robert Muir said the council will be losing much valuable experience as Bartell and Ennis leave.
“There’s really no substitute for experience,” Muir said. “They had a lot of insight into what happened years ago and were well versed in the budget. We may not have always agreed, but they had a lot of insight.”
As to whether either Bartell or Ennis will run again for council or pursue other political office, both councilors said they were unsure for right now, but not to “count it out” as a possibility.
Longtime councilors David Ennis, left, and Thomas Bartell talk at their last Town Council meeting on June 7. After 12 years of service, both councilors will be leaving the council as newly elected councilors John MacKinnon and Carol Waig take their place.Send questions/comments to the editors.
