Mike McGovern, Cape Elizabeth’s longtime town manager, is resigning the post he’s held since 1985, effective Dec. 31.
In a letter sent Monday to the Town Council, McGovern said during his time leading the town, he’s “had the privilege of working with 54 dedicated citizens who have capably served on the Town Council and have made this town one of the finest communities anywhere.”
McGovern first began working for the town in the summer of 1977 as a summer intern and in 1978 he joined the staff as the administrative assistant to the town manager.
“Cape Elizabeth has the best department heads anyone could ever wish for and exceptional staff who always come through in meeting all of the service needs of our citizens,” McGovern said in his letter. “We are also fortunate to have an engaged citizenry who volunteer on our governmental committees and who give of their time and talent in so many other ways.”
In the letter, McGovern also said he’s leaving the town in good shape.
“It is also a good time for the town to have new leadership, bringing new ideas and new approaches,” he said.
In a press release, Molly MacAuslan, chairwoman of the Cape Town Council, said, “I’m personally saddened by Mike’s decision. He’s been a tremendous asset to the community and it’s been a privilege to work with him.”
She added, “While Mike has been instrumental in establishing strong governance, organizational and financial structures, systems and policies that will ease the transition to a new manager, it will be difficult to find someone with both his operational skills and his personal and professional integrity.”
This story will be updated in the Aug. 24 edition of The Current.
Mike McGovern
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