Best wishes to Jarrett “Jay” Feyler on his recent retirement as town manager of Union, ME. At his final select board meeting, he was celebrated with heartfelt stories, gratitude, and, of course, a cake. Jay has spent 16 years in the town manager position, and according to Select Board Chair Adam Fuller ’05, “Union is on a huge upswing — a lot of that is due to Jay.” Jay said he has seen significant changes and challenges come to local government during his tenure. Resident expectations have increased significantly, and that sadly can correlate with poor treatment of the staff trying to provide services. Poor treatment from the public is a major factor for leaving government service. Jay also served as president of the Maine Welfare Directors Association as well as the Maine Town City and County Management Association. He was recently chosen as Town Manager of the Year by the latter organization. When asked about his future plans, he said he planned to do nothing for the next few months.
Cornell Knight recently served as the interim, part-time town manager in Pittsfield, ME. He has previously served in Bar Harbor, Hallowell, Jay, Orono, and other communities. Cornell described the role of the interim as someone to keep things moving, be available when needed, and handle complaints, among other things. Pittsfield’s Deputy Mayor Jason Hall said that Cornell’s years of experience helped the town identify and improve methods and processes that might be out of date. After leaving Pittsfield, Cornell was recruited by the city of Waterville to serve as their interim city manager, since the Waterville city manager had moved to a position in Lewiston.
The Old Town Airport has named a street after a local pilot who flies with the United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs) and received his master’s degree along with the Class of 1978. The street leading from the general aviation terminal to the seaplane base is now called Ray Gibouleau Drive. Ray has served the Old Town Airport since 1963, and was employed by every Fixed Base Operator at the airport until the city took over its management. Lance Farrar, airport director, said the Airport Advisory Committee wanted to recognize Ray’s dedication and service to the airport as well as to the whole flying community. In 2007, Ray received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, reflecting 50 consecutive years of accident-free flying. Ray continues to serve Old Town and the aviation community as a member of the Airport Advisory Committee.