Finch submits letter of resignation to Eastport city council

After over 14 years as Eastport city manager, George "Bud" Finch has submitted his resignation, to be effective December 31. The city council is expected to consider the resignation at its December 14 meeting.

In his letter to the council, Finch writes, "I have made clear to every council since my arrival here in 1995 how important council support is for the city manager to accomplish the tasks at hand. Every year following an election there are concerns that arise, but for the most part I have always felt comfortable with the overall support I had. With this in mind and with the recognition the current council is for the most part totally new, I am submitting in writing my willingness to step down, for your discussion and action."

In the November 3 election, Bob Peacock and David Morang, who had been appointed to fill seats on the council caused by resignations, were elected for the first time to the council. Two other councillors, Paul Critchley and John Miller, were first elected last year. The current council president, Earl Small, was reelected to a one-year term in the November 3 election.

Small declines to comment on the resignation, since he had not seen the resignation letter, as of December 8. He says he's not aware of councillors indicating to Finch that they would not support reappointing him as city manager.

Although his resignation would be effective at the end of this year, Finch's current contract does not end until June 30. Concerning a transition to a new city manager, Finch comments, "I'm willing to work with them in any transitional period they feel is necessary."

In his letter, Finch continues, "I sincerely thank the people of the city for the opportunity I have had to serve them over the past 14 plus years. For many reasons, for the most part personal, it appears the time has come for me to consider stepping down and tend to my own well-being."

"I do hope, as the good people of Eastport look back and measure my tenure in full, they find I have served them well. Eastport is a great community, small yet diverse, always facing its struggles head on, striving to move forward against the forces trying to hold it back, but always like a phoenix rising out of the ashes to live yet another day. It is my belief the city has made great strides since my appointment on September 25, 1995, and I am confident, even in these the most difficult of economic times, the best is yet to come."

Finch says he is reviewing his future plans. Although he would like to stay in the area, he notes that there are not many job opportunities.