WILTON – Wilton’s loss will be Oakland’s gain as Town Manager Peter Nielsen has accepted a position as manager of the Kennebec County town effective Dec. 29.

Nielsen, a resident of Winthrop, has served as Wilton’s town manager for the past seven years. He will complete his work here as of Dec. 19, giving him Christmas week between positions to spend with his family, he said Tuesday.

Employees and selectmen were told of his decision Monday, prior to the Oakland Council announcing his hiring Monday night.

“We’re happy for him, but we’re not happy for ourselves,” said Town Clerk Linda Jellison.

A sentiment that was echoed by other employees and board members.

“He’s been a really good town manager and boss. I hate to see him go. Their gain is our loss,” added Barbara Vining, assistant town manager.

Monday was a sad day for Nielsen as he shared his news with the board, employees and department heads of the town.

“It was kinda tough, but then attending the Oakland Town Council meeting, I was able to center on that,” Nielsen said explaining that he was very happy about the new position, but would miss the people he’s worked with in Wilton.

“A new position brings a refreshment … a good thing for me,” he added. There is also another reason for his decision. For many years, he has run a part-time business of storing cars and boats for people at his Winthrop residence. He lost the building to heavy snows last winter, which meant he and wife, Mary, “lost a good slice of income … with damages to pay. Oakland gave me an offer I can’t refuse,” he said.

Board of Selectmen chair Paul Gooch wasn’t surprised, as Nielsen had spoken to him previously about another opportunity.

“I figured it was coming eventually. He’s done an excellent job for us and I’m really not looking forward to filling (the position),” Gooch said Tuesday.

“He did a good job and has a good way with people. A lot of the job is building relationships. He did that well. People felt comfortable talking to him. He was also good with our money – very frugal and tried to find the most cost effective way of doing things. He also tried to follow the direction of the board. We can’t ask more than that. I’ll miss working with him,” Gooch added.

Likewise Selectman Russell Black said he enjoyed having Nielsen as town manager.

“I thought he was doing a real good job for us, a good job for Wilton taxpayers. It’s going to be interesting finding a new manager, but there’s definitely somebody out there for us,” Black said.

Nielsen expects what he has learned in three similar towns will serve him well in his new position. He started serving as an elected official on the Winthrop Town Council before serving the town of Clinton for five years, the town of Wayne for almost six years and spending the past seven years in Wilton.

The best of his time in Wilton came from “all the wonderful people I’ve met and the wonderful staff I’ve worked with. It’s a great environment.”

The years have also involved their share of challenges for Nielsen, as the town faced some stormy issues, including resolving the purchase of fire trucks, a change in public safety personnel and the town’s revaluation.

“We wish Peter the best. Can’t fault him for bettering himself and helping himself out financially. The move to Oakland is a promotion for him. We can’t find fault with that but we’ll miss him,” Black said.