When the Cape Elizabeth Town Council meets next week, it will focus on a topic it hasn’t talked about in three decades – how to find a new town manager.
Michael McGovern announced Monday that he would be leaving the post he’s held for 31 years, effective Dec. 31.
The council is slated to meet in workshop session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29, when it will discuss “both Mike’s transition, as well as how to start the process of selecting a new manager,” said Molly MacAuslan, council chairwoman.
Following the announcement, which came as a surprise to many, MacAuslan told the Current, “While I’m personally saddened to see Mike leave, I also believe renewal is a good thing, and a new manager will bring a new set of eyes and fresh ideas to the town.”
She also said, “I’m optimistic that we’ll find a competent, qualified replacement who will be excited for this opportunity to serve the town and citizens of Cape Elizabeth.”
MacAuslan was also happy that McGovern gave “ample notice,” giving the council time to work through the search process for a new manager, although she also said there’s a possibility that Cape would have to appoint an interim manager before a suitable candidate is found.
In a letter sent to the Town Council Monday, McGovern, who has served as the town manager since 1985, said he’s leaving Cape in good shape, adding, “It is also a good time for the town to have new leadership, bringing new ideas and new approaches.”
During his time leading the town, McGovern said 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.”
He added, “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. We are also fortunate to have an engaged citizenry who give of their time and talent in so many ways.”
In a press release following McGovern’s announcement, MacAuslan called him “a tremendous asset to the community” and said, “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.”
McGovern has spent his entire career working for Cape Elizabeth. He first worked for the town as an intern in the summer of 1977 and then came on board as the assistant to the town manager in 1978.
In his resignation letter, McGovern said, “It is inevitable that I will be asked about accomplishments during the last 39 years. There are no accomplishments which are solely mine. Much of what is accomplished in Cape Elizabeth is due to a culture of integrity, transparency, planning, collective decision making and a willingness to take on difficult issues.
“I have been fortunate to work on many projects over the years and perhaps will most remember helping to transform Fort Williams from a (military) site with many dilapidated buildings to a beautiful park enjoyed by thousands of people each week.”
McGovern also noted that Cape has “a nice new library, good police, fire and public works facilities, exceptional ballfields, a pool and a recycling center being improved and we enjoy an expansive community center. Our schools are in good shape and school leadership has helped to keep them among the best in Maine.”
In addition to looking for a new town manager, Cape Elizabeth is searching for a new school superintendent.
McGovern, 60, is not ready for full retirement yet, and said he plans to perhaps take on interim assignments in the New Year. But his primary focus will be on volunteer work, which includes a longtime commitment to Rotary International. His current salary is $123,020.
When asked what he will miss the most, McGovern said he will miss all the town councilors and other town staff he’s worked with through the years. But as he plans to continue living in Cape, he’s also looking forward to “seeing the town evolve.”
He said in his more than 30 years on the job nearly everything about municipal government has changed, from how the work is completed, like agendas printed on a mimeograph, to computers linked to high-speed Internet now, to the expectations of residents of what governmental services are provided.
In assessing McGovern’s time as town manager, MacAuslan said, “He’s done an excellent job providing leadership, vision and stability to the community through a period of growth, development and change. Our town is in good shape fiscally and administratively in large part due to Mike’s management and we will be well positioned for either an interim or permanent manager to step into the role.”
The department heads that McGovern has worked with also praised his leadership skills this week.
“I admire his honesty, integrity and his ability to look at issues and come up with innovative solutions. His dedication to the town and its citizens is without equal,” said Fire Chief Peter Gleeson.
Bob Malley, the longtime director of public works, said, “Personally, he has played a critical role in my professional development and I would not have sustained myself this long in my position without his support. Cape Elizabeth is a better place because of his leadership, professionalism and vision.”
McGovern recommended Malley’s appointment in 1986 and in the years since the two have developed a solid working relationship.
“His guidance has sustained me through many challenges and endeavors over that time period,” Malley said this week.
Debra Lane, Cape’s assistant town manager and town clerk, said that the town was “extremely fortunate to have Michael serve and represent the community for almost 40 years.”
She called McGovern “professional, dedicated and honest” and said that “his keen insight and instincts guide him to decisions that best serve the community. His financial acumen also deserves recognition for keeping the finances of Cape Elizabeth in good order through (both) good and challenging economic times.”
Mike McGovern, who has served as the town manager in Cape Elizabeth since 1985, will be leaving his post at the end of the year.
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