WEST PARIS – The search for a new town manager to replace outgoing Donald Woodbury ended Thursday as selectmen elected former Paris town manager John White.

During a brief discussion before the vote, Chairman Bill Birney said, “It has been a hard decision to come to the point of electing a town manager to take Don’s place as we had 12 application to review. After reviewing all applications, all who had excellent resumes, we interviewed nine and narrowed it down to two. Our final interviews were done on May 2 and we are ready to vote on the final two candidates here this evening.”

Selectman Dennis Henderson moved to nominate White as he felt he would be the best choice to serve the people of West Paris. Selectman Wade Rainey seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

Birney said, “I was impressed with his experience in municipal government and, as he lives in Norway and served for a time a town manager in Paris he knows the towns in this area including West Paris. He also gave good answers to our questions and there was no hesitation when a question was asked. And his references spoke very highly of him.”

White takes office later this month or early June.

White’s is town administrator for Durham now.

He has also served as town manager in Orrington as well as Paris.

Woodbury has been continuing his service to the town to help selectmen until his replacement is available to take office.

Woodbury resigned in late March after three years in office for personal reasons. During the past year he lost both his mother and his wife and feels he needs some time for himself.