Buckfield road foreman resigns

BUCKFIELD — The resignation of Philip L. Savage, the town's road foreman, was accepted, effective immediately, in a unanimous vote by the board of selectmen at its October 2 meeting.

In a resignation letter dated September 25, Savage, an employee of the town for 15 years, writes that his departure is due to an "atmosphere of distrust and anger" directed at the public works department by a minority of townspeople and the board of selectmen over the past several years.

"Rumors, allegations, false perceptions and outright lies have continuously undermined every aspect of my job," Savage writes.

Savage continues to say that in every investigation by a town manager found the complaints to be  "completely false."

"This hostile environment has, at times, caused mental distress for both my family and I," Savage writes.

"Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what I do, or how well I perform my duties, my character and work ethic has been defamed to the point that I will always be subjected to unwarranted criticism and accusations."

In his letter, Savage resigns his position effective October 12.

During the October 2 meeting, selectmen accepted the resignation, then voted to, as soon as possible, pay Savage through October 12 and make his resignation effective immediately.

The motion was made by Selectman Rodney Allen, who said it was "in the best of interests of the town and the best interest road foreman."

Town Manager Dana Lee assured the board that he had spoken to Savage who told him he would be willing to stop work immediately.

He said the past few weeks had been hard on himself and the road foreman and thought it would be good to put the matter to rest.

Some residents, and Town Clerk Cindy Dunn said the board should be deciding whether Savage would be released immediately in executive session, with Savage present.

Selectwoman Martha Catevenis said she believed the board was well within its rights to change the departure date, noting that Savage was an "at will employee."

The conduct of the public works department, including the use of an uninspected vehicle and insecurity at the town garage was criticized by selectmen at their September 18 meeting.

In his letter, Savage claims the board has "forgotten" that town employees are taxpayers and residents that deserve the same respect given to any citizen of the town.

"It is my sincere hope that the Board of Selectmen will someday realize what dedicated people they have working for the town, and will make a conscious effort to support them rather than undermine then as they have done so often in the past," Savage writes.