Over a dozen Boothbay Harbor residents met the two town manager finalists Oct. 28. Acting Town Manager Julia Latter and Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody Jr. talked with townspeople about their professional backgrounds and their visions for Boothbay Harbor.

Peabody was accompanied by his partner Karla VanAlstine. VanAlstine said that after moving on from Rockport to Bridgton, she and Peabody came to realize they really missed the ocean; it feels like home to them. “He wasn’t even looking for a new job, but this came up and he was like, 'Oh, honey! Look at this!' So, we gave it a go.”

VanAlstine said if Peabody gets the job, they plan to move to the area and they have been looking for a house since he was named a finalist. Said VanAlstine, “We wouldn't want to commute. I mean, this is where we want to be.”

Peabody said his private sector experience has been as a store owner for five years in Rockland and owner of a real estate appraisal business for over 20 years. For government experience, he sat on the Rockland City Council for three terms, served as mayor for three terms, served as town manager for Rockport and finally in Bridgton.

Latter is a Boothbay Harbor native and has worked for the town for 22 years, most of that time as finance officer and human resources manager. Latter has been acting town manager since July.

The Boothbay Register asked the candidates three questions: 

What do you feel this town needs?

Peabody: “Attracting younger residents, expanding businesses, having a stronger economic base that can support having younger residents come to town. Housing affordability – we've been looking at homes and it's not cheap. Those issues altogether – there's no silver bullet answer to them. It's a process. You have to set the chart and take it as far as it goes.”

Latter: “Some of the larger problems that this town is facing are related to housing needs, job creation, the retention of young people in our area and sustainable economic growth. Many of those issues can be addressed through collaboration of the varied organizations in our area and the endless dedication of the people who we are very fortunate to have as members of our community. If you are asking what this town needs from a town manager, I believe we need someone with a skill set that combines sound fiscal understanding, passionate community involvement, an understanding of the makeup of our town and the qualities that make it unique.”

What does this town have that remains relatively untapped?

Peabody: “The beauty of this town … is really appreciated in the summer and less appreciated on the shoulder months. But it's also a beautiful town in the winter time. In fact, that's one of my favorite times to come down here … So, how do you capitalize on what some people consider the throwaway season if you will? How do you get people down here when they wouldn't necessarily think to come down here?”

Latter: “… I think the most noticeable aspect of Boothbay Harbor and the Boothbay Region as a whole is its classic New England character and a strong sense of community … Over my time as acting town manager, I have found it personally rewarding to begin collaborations with outside organizations, their staff and the community to plan and complete projects.”

What is doing just fine?

Peabody: “That is probably the hardest question because what's perfect right now may not be perfect two years down the road … When you're leading a town, you always have to be looking at the horizon and looking at the market, statistics and be ready to move …”

Latter: “Boothbay Harbor is very fortunate to have numerous organizations, community-driven groups and strong municipal services. As Boothbay Harbor has always done, we band together to bring our dreams for the future to fruition by hard work, commitment to our children and utilizing our resources.”