MECHANIC FALLS – Town Manager Dana Lee’s efforts this past year in campaigning for changes in state education funding and lobbying for state tax reform legislation earned him the title of 2004’s Manager of the Year for Maine.

The Linc Stackpole award is given each year to a manager nominated and chosen by town and city managers throughout the state. The secret was out when Lee heard his name called during the recent 59th New England Management Institute and banquet in Phippsburg.

“I was totally stunned,” Lee said. “There’s a big pool of very competent and caring managers out there.”

The award, named in honor of a former Machias town manager, recognizes leadership within the community, among other managers, and in statewide issues.

The Maine Town and City Management Association highlighted Lee’s charge into the Question 1 campaign. Voters this spring said yes to shifting more of the burden of education funding from local coffers to the state budget.

“We’ve been very pleased with his performance,” said Town Council Chairman William Diehl. “The council has supported him on his endeavor on this school funding issue.”

Now waiting for legislative implementation, Question 1 requires the state to pay for 55 percent of Maine’s total education costs, in addition to 100 percent of schools’ special education costs.

“What I heard from Mechanic Falls’ Town Council is to do what it takes to get the property tax rate down,” Lee said. “Our town has one of the highest tax rates in Maine, and we’re a perfect example of how disproportionate the burden for education funding is.”

Now that Lee has successfully spearheaded MMA’s efforts in getting Question 1 passed, his next step is to push for legislation that will make the funding shift and tax alleviation a reality.

“I’m not done yet,” said Lee, who will soon officially be announced as MMA’s 2005 president. “The question now is, will the Legislature follow through and will they show that people’s votes matter.”

Lee credited Mechanic Falls council members for their support, the town’s staff for their teamwork and competence, and his family for constant reassurance and encouragement.

Other achievements cited by the selection committee included Lee’s success in acquiring grant money for town projects, serving as mentor to other town managers, pursuing economic development for Mechanic Falls, and overseeing the recent renovation to the Municipal Building.