City of Belfast issued the following announcement.
The Belfast City Council hired Erin Herbig as Belfast’s next City Manager on Wednesday evening March 4, 2020 at a special City Council meeting. Senator Erin Herbig replaces Joseph J. Slocum who has served Belfast for 13 years. The Belfast City Council made an extensive search for candidates and interviewed a slate of excellent potential managers.
Herbig is a native daughter of Belfast, former House Majority Leader and State Representative, and current State Senator representing Waldo County. She is a graduate of Belfast Area High School and Boston College. Herbig lives in Belfast and is married to Joseph Baiungo. Together they have two children, Anna and Charles.
Herbig was an unexpected and welcome applicant to the entire council. The City of Belfast has been fortunate to have steady management for more than two decades and is excited to have Herbig step into this new role.
“The city of Belfast has talented and dedicated employees," said Herbig. "We also have an innovative and committed Belfast City Council and Mayor. I am honored by the opportunity to work alongside these people to ensure that families and businesses continue to thrive in my hometown.”
“Thank you to Joe Slocum for his tireless service to our community. Joe leaves big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge. I’m ready to get to work.”
Mayor Eric Sanders welcomed Herbig “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. With the task of replacing the retiring Joe Slocum, the Council made an exciting and excellent choice. And I believe that Erin made a great choice as well. The present and future of the management of the City has arrived, and I am thrilled that both the Council and Erin made this decision and will be working together!”
Joe Slocum, Belfast’s outgoing City Manager, said “This is such a win for Belfast. In one person we have huge local public service experience paired with a lifelong personal knowledge of Belfast and the region. As a young mother, she will look out for our future as she does for her own children. I am happy for Erin and happier for Belfast.”
Belfast City Councilors worked as a team through multiple interviews cognizant of the historic and community responsibility. Maine Municipal Association’s David Barrett provided the search and hiring framework.
Councilor Mary Mortier said, “I believe this is the most important decision this Council will make during this term. Belfast has been blessed by Joe Slocum’s care, concern and respect for the diverse people who make up this community. Thank you Joe. Erin Herbig, who chose to move back to Belfast, brings a fresh, energetic perspective to city government, informed by her years of focus on economic development, workforce development, broadband, and property tax relief. Welcome Erin.”
“Councilor Neal Harkness added “Joe Slocum has served the citizens of Belfast with the highest standards of competence and integrity. I am confident that Erin Herbig will meet those standards and build on his legacy.”
Brenda Bonneville, Belfast’s newest council member said “A native of Belfast, Erin brings a unique perspective and valued deep knowledge of Belfast to the City Manager position. We welcome Erin and are fortunate to have her in this key role, and I am looking forward to working with Erin on behalf of the City of Belfast.”
Councilor Mike Hurley pointed to the promise of her state wide accomplishments “Erin has proved herself on the Maine stage to be a skilled leader. We’re honored and excited to be able to keep her in Belfast and put her skills to work for Belfast.”
Ward Five councilor Paul Dean said; “As a state representative and Senator Erin has proven how committed and hardworking she is. I know Erin will work hard to help improve the quality of life for the citizens of Belfast. I look forward to working with our new City Manager Erin Herbig.”
City Manager Joe Slocum will retire on March 6, 2020 and Erin Herbig will be working closely with him to achieve a seamless transition. City Manager Erin Herbig’s first official day on the job is March 9, 2020.
Original source can be found here.
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