Paris hires new highway director

PARIS — The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the appointment of Daniel Nowell as the town's Highway Director on January 10.

Nowell, a resident of Bridgton, has worked most recently as the Public Works Director in Sebago, a position he has held since 2007.

A 1980 graduate of Lake Region High School, Nowell was a member of the Bridgton Public Works crew for 17 years, and also served a brief stint as a patrolman, also in Bridgton. He is a member of the Bridgton Fire Department.

"We had 19 applications," said Town Manager Phil Tarr. "We invited six ... Dan had strengths that we were interested in right from the start. He maintained those strengths through the process. ... He has road-building experience. ... We have some serious road problems, and I have the plan to address those, and Dan has the experience to do it."

"He's looking for a chance to improve himself," said Tarr, "and I highly recommend him to this position."

Selectman Kenneth West, who served on the selection committee, agreed that Nowell was the man for the job.

"I would stand behind Dan 100 percent, as it stands right now," said West. "He's gonna have to learn this town is bigger than where he was from, but I feel he will do a good job."

At the board's January 24 meeting, Tarr reported that he had checked Nowell's current employer for a reference, and that Nowell had been described as "outstanding."