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FAIRFIELD

Council hires manager for interim work

Due to death, former Pittsfield official will perform duties until position is filled permanently

By Leslie Bridgers lbridgers@pressherald.com
Staff Writer

FAIRFIELD -- A retired Pittsfield town manager will fill in as the Fairfield town manager until councilors hire a replacement for Paul Blanchette, who died unexpectedly on Saturday.

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Dwight Dogherty, center, answers questions from Fairfield councilors during a special meeting on Monday where he was hired as interim town manager. Clockwise from left are Andy York, Paul Tessier, Dogherty, Ed Finch and Edward Stevens.

Staff photo by David Leaming

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The Town Council held a special meeting Monday morning to hire Dwight Dogherty, who will begin working today.

Blanchette, 52, had been town manager for 10 years. He died of an apparent heart attack.

"It's a tough time for all of us. We welcome Dwight on board to help us through this tough time," said council Chairman Edward Stevens.

Dogherty, 73, was the town manager in Pittsfield for 18 years before retiring in 2002. Since then, he's served as the interim town manager in Norridgewock and Clinton. Earlier in his career, Dogherty was the town manger in Lisbon and Cumberland.

Stevens said Dogherty would work full-time this week, but after that his hours would vary depending on the town's needs. The council agreed to pay him $32 per hour.

"We have lots of experienced employees. Town government's going to go on," Stevens said.

Deputy Town Manager Cynthia Tuttle has filled in as interim town manager before, but the council decided to hire someone else to take over because she's going on medical leave in two weeks and will be out of the office for more than a month.

Councilors said they expected to hire a permanent manager within a couple of months.

"Let's take our time and find the best candidate to fill that position," said Councilor Andy York.

Town employees on Sunday said Blanchette's death came as a shock. He had suffered from kidney problems and had a kidney transplant last year, but his health seemed to have improved since then, they said.

Stevens said councilors would come by the Town Office this week and would be available to employees by phone to help with town business and offer emotional support. He said he decided to call a council meeting on Monday, even though the Town Office was closed for Labor Day, so there would be a manager in place as soon as possible.

"I think it was important to have the meeting today," he said. "It gives us a chance to plan for what's coming up."

At the council's regular meeting on Wednesday, officials will pay tribute to Blanchette "in appreciation for all the things he's done for the town," Stevens said.

Blanchette is survived by his wife Rose and three teenage children. Stevens said Monday he didn't know whether funeral arrangements had been made.

Leslie Bridgers -- 861-9252

lbridgers@centralmaine.com