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| Tony Plante in 2016 celebrating his Stackpole Award |
Serving
as Windham’s Town Manager since 1996, Tony Plante’s official last day on the
job was this past Wednesday, October 10. During his 22 years of service, Plante
has provided exceptional leadership with dedication to the community and town
staff.
In
a previous interview with The Windham Eagle, Town Clerk Linda Morrill expressed
her admiration for Plante’s loyalty and devotion to his career. “Being a town manager is not an easy job, and
if anyone switched jobs with him they would find that out in a hurry,” Morrill
said in 2016. “A manager needs to be on top of everything, 24/7. You need
to be dedicated, and Tony is.”
Morrill was interviewed
as part of an article written about Plante when he received the Linc Stackpole
Manager award of the Year by Maine Town, City and Country Management
Association two years ago. (August 19, 2016 edition by Michelle Libby).
The Stackpole award is named for Lincoln
Stackpole, who served as town manager in Machias from 1970 until his death in
1977. It recognizes integrity and leadership, and recipients must demonstrate a
socially responsible approach towards their community; concern for the
well-being, support and growth of their municipal colleagues; and contribution
and service beyond their community.
It
has been reiterated in recent weeks about Plante’s concern for the well-being
of not only the members of the community but for the town staff as well. Police
Chief Kevin Schofield stated in the 2016 interview that Plante was a very easy
boss to work for. “He gives us a lot of
autonomy. He’s very analytical, thoughtful and well spoken. He promotes a
family atmosphere within all the departments and employees,” Schofield
explained.
Town
Councilman, Jarrod Maxfield who has always been a big supporter of Plante
stated that he has always admired Plante’s professionalism. “I appreciated his
focus and dedication to his work and the community. He was respectful, not only
to individuals in the community but to town staff as well.”
Many staff members are
sad to see Plante go and have stated that the next town manager will have big
shoes to fill. Jen Alvino, Director of the Windham Public Library, shared her
thoughts about Plante and his new direction.
“He has so much to
offer and whatever he chooses for his new path, I sincerely wish him well,”
Alvino began. “Where ever he goes next, those who get to work with him will
benefit from his leadership, expertise and knowledge. I will really miss him.”
Donna
Chapman, Chair of the Town Council also wishes Plante well. “We all honestly wish the
best for Tony as well as the best for his family.”
The
community of Windham wishes you luck, Tony Plante, although you won’t need it.
Thank you for your many years of service, dedication and extraordinary
leadership.
