MADAWASKA, Maine — As incoming Madawaska Town Manager David Daigle attended his first selectmen meeting as manager on July 16, town officials honored and recognized the service of outgoing interim Town Manager Dan Foster.
Foster began working as Madawaska’s interim manager in early March. He was hired after former Town Manager Gary Picard resigned the previous month.
Before coming to Madawsaka, Foster worked for Fort Fairfield from 1998 to 2013. He came back as Fort Fairfield’s interim manager shortly after its town manager, Andrea Powers, resigned roughly one year ago.
During his time in Madawaska, Foster helped officials work on a budget that he says will result in a lower mill rate than last year.
“We owe a lot of credit for Mr. Dan Foster over here for taking Madawaska under his wings and doing so much,” Selectboard Chair Jason Boucher said. “Dan came here, and it wasn’t just to fill a seat. It wasn’t just to help us along. Dan came here and he took Madawaska personally.”
Boucher said Foster stopped at all the town departments every morning to ensure everything was going smoothly, and that he constantly worked with staff and department heads during his time as the interim manager.
Foster, who lives in the Fort Fairfield area, had a long trip to Madawaska every morning. And to remind him of the commute, Boucher presented him with a travel mug featuring the town of Madawaska logo along with his name. He also presented Foster with a plaque in honor of his service.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to do this,” Foster said. “I’ve been treated so well. I’ve established some relationships that I’m going to dearly miss. I just want to say that you guys have got a heck of a community here. You’ve got some great people. You’ve got a lot of activity. You should feel very good about where you are, who you are, and the direction that this community is moving.”
Looking ahead, the town will host a meet and greet ceremony for Daigle on Wednesday, July 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce at 356 Main St.
