NEW GLOUCESTER — Town Manager Sumner M. Field III has tendered his resignation, saying he needs time to deal with family affairs following the death of his father last year.

“It feels right,” Field said Monday. The resignation is effective Jan. 2, 2014.

In a letter presented to the board Sept. 30, Field, 68, said, “It is with mixed feelings that I announce my intention to retire as town manager. While the composition of the Board of Selectmen has changed during my five years as manager, I believe we have all worked well together as a group and have been a positive influence in the growth and development of New Gloucester.

“Growth does not occur without struggle and there have certainly been some struggles in the past five years. That said, I believe there is much to celebrate: A more positive attitude throughout the town, improved relations with volunteers, landowners, businesses and many citizens and employees. A robust and growing recreation department, improved financial controls, as well as improved infrastructure and a water district to serve the Upper Village are key accomplishments,” he said.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Steven Libby said the board agreed work with Maine Municipal Association to assist in recruiting a new manager.

Libby said Field will begin the budget work for the next fiscal year and is willing to overlap, if necessary, with the next town manager.

Field replaced Rosemary Kulow, who resigned to become city manager of Rockland, then town manager of Poland.


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