Dear Residents of Colchester:
As I approach the end of my contract as Town Manager on April 30, 2018, I have decided after much consideration not to request an extension. My husband and I are ready to travel and take on new adventures while we are still healthy and able. Our children have seen more of the world than we have, and it's time for us to enjoy all that we have saved for during our careers. It has been a privilege to serve Colchester, and I have enjoyed working with a remarkable, well-functioning team of boards and commissions, employees, and community members. The Colchester Selectboard serves the community with the public's overall best interest in mind, and is one of the best boards I have worked with in my career. Colchester's employees also deserve special recognition, as they are creative, hard-working, and dedicated individuals, often working long hours, weekends, and nights to provide exceptional services.
Over the last almost five years of working together, our team has accomplished the following:
- Improved Financial Sustainability
- A Clearer Vision for the Community's Future
- Collaborative Relationships (locally, regionally, statewide, and with our federal delegation)
- Modernized Operations, Policies and Regulations
- Capital Improvements and Community-wide "Facelift"
- Improved Transparency and Communications
- Enhanced Branding and Marketing
None of the above would have been possible without the Selectboard's leadership and support, the boards and commissions working together, or the entrepreneurial and talented staff. Our citizens are also engaged and attend many public meetings to assist us in crafting the future in a respectful, civil, and productive manner.
Thank you for this incredible experience. Colchester is blessed with second-to-none natural resources; an attractive built environment providing housing, jobs, and commerce; and quality people with a desire to improve the community and leave it even better for the generations to come. I have been lucky to have been part of this special place for the last five years. I want to assure you I will be working hard with the team over my remaining months to accomplish the community's vision.
Sincerely,
Dawn H. Francis
Aaron Frank, Deputy Town Manager/CFO