ACADIA’S NEXT DIRECTOR

Something funny happened in the promised fair and open nationwide search for a new superintendent of Acadia National Park to succeed the widely respected Paul Haertel who retired at the end of September.

The opening was listed on the federal government’s “USA Jobs” Internet site and then abruptly canceled. Word circulated that the search had been called off because one P. Daniel Smith had already been selected. Mr. Smith has held various political and career jobs in Washington, for the past 13 years in the Interior Department. He now is a special assistant to the director of the National Park Service. He applied for the Acadia superintendency eight years ago when Mr. Haertel was selected. Some interested Mainers feared that the way had been greased for a political appointment.

Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins directed pointed inquiries to Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. They wanted to make sure that the new superintendent would have, as Sen. Collins’ letter put it, “the experience, temperament, vision, and knowledge needed to lead the park through challenges known and unforeseen.”

They were told that the search had been canceled in error and that the job would be re-listed. Sen. Snowe’s communication director, Dave Lackey, says he understands that the search is back on track and that Friends of Acadia, a local organization that supports the park, will have a role in the process.

A National Park Service spokeswoman, Elaine Sevy, says that the listing was interrupted for “re-evaluation” of the job description. She said it will be re-listed in about a week for career Park Service employees who may be interested and in about three weeks for the general public. She says the job description has been revised to include experience in dealing with fund-raising organizations, probably a reference to Friends of Acadia. She says Mr. Smith’s name came up because he had expressed interest in the job. She quoted Director Fran Mainella as saying that she had not offered the position to Mr. Smith and that if he wants it he will have to apply like anyone else.

Mr. Haertel has done an outstanding job for the past seven years, and the park deserves a successor who will carry on with the same high standards.