Dear Editor:

It is a big disappointment that the town of Boothbay is losing its town manager, Jim Chaousis, as he moves on to accept a job offer from the City of Rockland. I know my family wishes them all the best in their new surroundings.

However, the bigger disappointment is that he really didn't want to leave our town, sell his home, take his beautiful children out of our school system, and relocate. So why is he not staying?

This is the question that needs to be asked of the town of Boothbay's selectmen, the people that we entrusted to hire him. I personally encourage everyone to stop your busy lives for just a minute, and pay attention to this story that should be front page news in our local paper.

Find out the facts, not the opinions, as to why we would not unanimously agree that it would be in the best interest of the town of Boothbay to retain Mr. Chaousis for less than we are currently paying him. Huh? Did I say less? Yes I did.

If we ever want to attract and retain quality leadership and their families to our region we best look to the ones that we elected to represent us in this regard. It is our civic duty to assure the selectmen are educated and genuinely have the best interest of our town at heart.

For more insight as to how our leaders are doing go to the town of Boothbay's video library at: http://townhallstreams.com/locations/boothbay-me/events/24073/boothbay_council_chambers.

The interesting piece is at 1:57 during public comment.

Edwin Mitchell

Boothbay