PARIS — Selectmen unanimously confirmed Daniel Nowell as new highway director for Paris on Monday.

Nowell is the Public Works Director for Sebago and a member of the Bridgton Fire Department. He has been a Bridgton police officer and a tractor-trailer driver in recent years as well.

Selectman Kenneth West, who was on the hiring committee, strongly recommended Nowell for the job.

“I stand behind Dan 100 percent as it stands right now,” West said.

“I am looking for opportunity to grow,” he told selectmen. He wanted the opportunity to work with a bigger crew and bigger budget than in Sebago.

Selectmen asked Nowell about his job history and experience, particularly his short time with the Bridgton Police Department.

Nowell said he was pulled from law enforcement academy after performing poorly on tests. “I don’t test well,” he told selectmen. He said being a police officer was “a life-long dream,” and the rejection was a big disappointment.

He said his short time as a driver for Poland Spring Water came because he was enticed by the pay. He left because he didn’t like the job. “Money’s nothing if you’re not happy,” Nowell told selectmen.

Tarr said Nowell’s references had been checked except for the Sebago job, for privacy reasons during the job application process. Selectmen Lloyd Herrick asked that Tarr speak to the Sebago town manager within 24 hours of Nowell’s confirmation.

Nowell, like all new town employees, is on a six-month probation period before he becomes a permanent employee.

Nowell is a Bridgton resident. There is no residency clause to hold the position.

treaves@sunjournal.com

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