Milo selectman resigns, citing criticism, stress

MILO – Selectman Tony Hamlin unexpectedly resigned from the board Friday.

Contacted Monday, Hamlin said that while he worked hard for the betterment of the community, he felt it was time to leave.

His resignation will be acted upon by the board at its April 15 meeting, Town Manager Jeff Gahagan said Monday.

Hamlin, among others, had recently taken criticism over the hiring of a new town manager. One resident at last week’s meeting suggested that Hamlin had made his mind up about whom he wanted as town manager before the selection process began.

“To disagree with one’s opinion is fair game; when misinformed individuals, carrying personal agendas and armed with half-truths and innuendo question the honesty and integrity of individual board members, it is time to go,” Hamlin wrote in his letter of resignation.

Gahagan said Hamlin has always had the good of the people at heart. “He’s worked very hard for the community.”

Hamlin said that for the past four years, he, like others, had given his time to improve the quality of life in Milo. What was intended to be a once-a-month meeting quickly turned into several meetings a week, many of which were “contentious and difficult,” he said.

“The cost of my personal life has been high and the emotional stress that accompanied the leadership positions I’ve tried to live up to have been extreme. In spite of this I thought it was worth the effort because of my commitment to the town that I grew up in and for the economic and social future of our young people. Recent events have proven that to be an incorrect assumption,” he wrote.

Hamlin thanked residents for electing him to office and asked them to support the new leadership.

“I believe the new town manager will help Milo grow and prosper. His openness and honest approach to serving people will be beneficial as we look to expand our tax base and renew a positive relationship with our neighbors,” Hamlin wrote.

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