John Madigan is the town manager of Mexico.

He may also, starting next week, be the town manager of neighboring Dixfield.

Dixfield selectmen recognize these River Valley towns of similar size have similar problems and similar attributes. Appointing a single person to manage both makes financial sense, but it also makes management sense.

Mexico and Dixfield have already entertained talks of combining resources and services, and Rumford has been invited to join the conversation. These three towns share borders, but they also share the work pool and a struggling business climate. Madigan believes working together makes a stronger force than three towns standing alone.

He is an able manager. He understands the strength in numbers.

He sees savings in joint public safety services and in a cooperative search for municipal grants. There are potential savings in combined waste removal, recreation, roadwork, general assistance and human resources.

Madigan is not pitching the idea of making Mexico and Dixfield a single town. He is merely supporting the idea of the two distinct towns working together for the benefit of each other.

If it means providing services with the most efficient use of tax dollars, that’s sound public policy. It’s good management.