LIVERMORE FALLS – The town manager believes his role on an international team helping developing countries and emerging democracies around the world would benefit the town.

Town Manager Martin Puckett would like to take a one-year leave of absence from managing Livermore Falls town government to take advantage of an “exciting, rewarding, opportunity” offered to him last week.

It would be a one-year commitment overseas building sustainable communities.

The select board learned about his request during an emergency executive session Wednesday. Selectmen did not make a decision on Puckett’s request at the time. Some board members indicated it was the wrong time to be taking a leave of absence, board Chairwoman Jackie Knight said, but the board agreed to discuss it further at 6:30 p.m. today at the town office.

He said other towns in similar positions create an interim position, filled by a department head, a retired manager, or a neighboring manager, Puckett said.

“I plan to stay in communication with the town to answer questions and complete the (fiscal year 2009) budget, Puckett said. “I am not requesting to be paid while on the leave of absence so those funds would be available for the interim position.”

“This would be a life-changing experience for me,” he said. “I would be using my education, skills, and experience to help an international community. I believe strongly in the role of a democratic local government and it would be an extremely rewarding experience helping a community with problems. I am very passionate about supporting sustainable communities and this would be a perfect chance to make a change.”

“The many new skills I would build in this experience would be enormous and I would use this valuable experience and new international connections to further enhance and improve Livermore Falls,” Puckett said.

If Puckett does go, his responsibilities on the international team would include promoting professional development in local government; providing technical assistance to local government officials to improve their communities, increase their knowledge, and strengthen their commitment to the ethics, values and ideals of their communities.

He would also serve as a resource for the collection and dissemination of information, including innovative local government practices to adapt to fit an individual community.

The task force he would be part of would provide hands-on, one-on-one technical and management assistance, training and knowledge to create real, lasting change in communities around the world, Puckett said.

The approach is based on proven management techniques, inclusive, democratic processes, and sound policy analysis, he added.