Harpswell Harbormaster and Marine Resources Administrator Paul Plummer has resigned after eight years with the town to accept a similar position with the city of Portland.
In his Oct. 27 resignation letter, Plummer called the new role as harbormaster for Portland “an opportunity I cannot decline.” His final day in Harpswell will be Friday, Nov. 7.
“I have learned and gained so much knowledge and experience in the last eight years with the Town of Harpswell,” he wrote. “I am grateful for the opportunity this town has provided me and will greatly miss the relationships that have been built.”
Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said in an Oct. 21 memo that staff are preparing a transition plan and have recommended appointing Deputy Harbormaster Darcie Couture as interim harbormaster and marine resources administrator for six months. Couture was hired as deputy, a seasonal position, in June.
“She has quickly become familiar with the responsibilities of both positions and is ready to take on these roles as soon (as Nov. 8),” Eiane wrote.
Eiane also recommended that Greg Coyne, who serves as a second deputy harbormaster on an as-needed basis, continue to do so during the transition.
At its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 30, the Harpswell Select Board approved the plan 3-0, appointing Couture to the interim post at an annual salary of $63,000.
“I move that we accept Paul’s resignation with extreme regret, and that we wholeheartedly appoint Darcie as an interim for six months,” Select Board member David Chipman said.
“I will second that, with just as much regret and just as much enthusiasm,” member Matt Gilley replied. “I’m pumped for Paul — it’s a wonderful opportunity for him, but it’s a huge loss for us.”
In an email, Eiane said that while it will be hard to see Plummer leave Harpswell, his decision is understandable “given the incredible career opportunity that lies ahead.”
“He’s been an asset to Harpswell, and his experiences and professional growth as Harpswell’s Harbormaster over the last eight years have equipped him well for the responsibilities of his new role as Portland Harbormaster,” she said. “Despite Harpswell’s loss, we can’t help but be excited for Paul, on both a personal level and professional one.”
As harbormaster, Plummer has overseen the town’s waterways, responding to emergencies and hazards, monitoring environmental issues, and working with fishermen, shellfish harvesters and sea farmers. In an email to the Anchor, he reiterated that the offer from Portland was something he couldn’t refuse.
“The vast coastline of Harpswell and all of the issues that come with having the largest coastline in Maine have certainly prepped me for this next step in my career,” Plummer wrote. “Harpswell should continue to be proud of its waterfront, continue fortifying beliefs that keep this a fishing community, and above all, continue to communicate with each other.”
He added: “Harpswell has taught me so much and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this community.”
