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>Houlton’s new town manager from New Mexico explains why he took the job in Maine
“They do amazing training in financial development. I gained a lot of budgeting experience with the Y,” he said.
Smith has served the arts community in various capacities including as the creative district director for Commerce and Development Corp., focusing on economic development and art and serving on the board of Los Alamos County Art in Public Places for four years.
In his current position he was part of a legislative team that went to the New Mexico state capitol to meet with the governor and legislators to secure funding for capital improvement projects and he wants to bring that experience to his new role in Houlton.
“I want to see the revenue streams in Houlton and take a close look at that,” he said. “I want to build a relationship with legislators to make sure that Houlton is not forgotten. I feel like there is money out there and I want to make sure it is getting to Houlton. I look forward to building relationships with the legislators, to be aware of funding opportunities for the town.”
Los Alamos is two hours north of Albuquerque and Smith’s current home is at 7,000 feet elevation, in the mountains. Much like Aroostook County, there are pine trees and snow, he said.
But as Smith and his wife looked to their future, they thought the timing was right to make a transition to a new place because their youngest son is graduating high school this year.
“The cost of living in Los Alamos is outpacing what we want to pay for housing. In the desert southwest we are impacted more and more by forest fires every year,” he said. “We thought maybe this is a good time for a change. My wife owns her own business and the challenge is finding staff to work because the working class can’t afford housing in the town where we live.”
As they worked toward a move, they had a number of things they wanted to see: They wanted to be closer to the coast, they wanted a more diversified forest because Hardin is an arborist; they wanted rivers and lakes and an area that was not too populated.
“As we checked all the boxes, it was, ‘wow northern Maine is calling to us,’” he said.
To add to his list of Maine positives, Smith loves canoeing and was a sea kayak guide in college, not to mention camping, hiking and pickleball.
As he transitions into his new role, Smith said he is eager to meet with the council, the Town staff, the business owners, and the residents of Houlton, so he can learn about the current needs of the community.
“I am ready to become part of the community and hopefully bring some new ideas and energy to the position as we make plans and improvements for the future,” he said.
Although Smith will initially arrive alone, he has been talking to realtors to find a home for his family. His wife, two sons and French bulldog Hazel will follow.
https://thecounty.me/2024/04/02/county-politics/houltons-new-town-manager-from-new-mexico-explains-why-he-took-the-job-in-maine/