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July 15, 2009

Lewiston council fires city's top exec

By The Mainebiz News Staff

In a surprise vote that came after two executive sessions, Lewiston City Councilors voted last night to buy out the remainder of City Administrator Jim Bennett's contract and show him the door.

Bennett had locked horns with councilors throughout the year over the authority of the council, the mayor, the city administrator and staff. It came to a head in May when Councilor Denis Theriault accused Bennett of dividing the council, according to the Sun Journal. The vote, 5-2, buys out the remainder of Bennett's contract, which paid him $110,000 a year, the paper reported.

During Bennett's eight years at the city's helm, he oversaw the development of the city's gateways, the expansion of the Wal-Mart distribution center, downtown renovations, industrial parks and other investments that led the city, in partnership with Auburn, to lead economic development in the state twice in the past eight years.

 

Reader comments

From Jim (Thu 7/16/2009 2:31 PM)

It's back to the good old days...lack of businesses investment, crumbling infrastructure.

L-A, it ain't happening here no more.

From Jim (Thu 7/16/2009 10:50 AM)

Ah, Maine politics at work again. Take someone who is bringing growth and progress to the State and can him because he makes you squirm alittle and get outside your comfort zone -- however small it may be!  

From MJ Dillingham (Wed 7/15/2009 9:23 PM)

I worked with Jim way back from the Graziano's days, and know without a doubt his integrity and work ethic. Big loss for Lewiston! Best of luck Jim!!!  

From Cheryl (Wed 7/15/2009 7:33 PM)

I am surprised that any council would take that kind of action without unanimous consent. Sounds like sour grapes to me!! Flexing muscles to prove a point, bad politics. They should reinstate him with a raise for putting up with their crap!  

From Petri Puumies (Wed 7/15/2009 1:29 PM)

Looks like a professional who has built up the city has been fired by amateur politicians on the council afraid of losing some clout.

From Linda Snyder (Wed 7/15/2009 1:27 PM)

Any community that snaps up Jim Bennett will be lucky, indeed.

The Lewiston City Council has been extremely short-sighted on this.

A very sad day for the community.

From Alain (Wed 7/15/2009 1:10 PM)

Jim Bennet is a person of honesty and integrity. In spite of the travails, local govenrment service can heap on good people, he should (and likely will) hold his head high.  

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