By Stephen Hauser
“After a considerable amount of thought and deep reflection over the last month or so,” said Londonderry Town Manager Kevin Smith, “this evening, I am tendering my resignation.”
At the Monday, Jan. 10 Town Council meeting, during the Town Manager Report, Smith formally announced his departure.
“It has been the utmost honor of my life to have been afforded the opportunity to give back just a little bit to a great Town that has given so much to my family.”
Smith and his family moved to Londonderry in 1986. He was hired as Town Manager in August of 2013.
“I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished over the better part of the last decade,” Smith told the Town Council, “and there is much credit to go around, especially to many of you sitting in this room tonight.”
Smith leaves as the municipal tax rate is at a historic low.
“We’ve returned over $11 million dollars to property tax payers during this period,” Smith said. “We’ve done this through prudent fiscal management and a balanced budget each and every year.”
Even more, Londonderry has increased staff resources in almost every town department, most notably in police and fire, to meet the demands of a growing community.
Smith oversaw the construction of the new Central Fire Station and the upgrade to nearly all the Town fleet.
In addition, he helped complete the national accreditation process for Londonderry’s Police Department.
“I believe that offering my resignation at this time is the most prudent way forward for the Town and myself.”
Smith gave the Council a sixty day notice, and promised to work with the Council and the senior leadership of Town staff to ensure as smooth and seamless transition period as possible.
“Since day one, we have worked to build a culture within the walls of Town Hall premised on the pillars of trust and teamwork,” Smith read from his statement. “We know that success is not the result of one person, but rather it’s achieved by a group of people all rowing in the same direction with a common purpose.”
Smith stated he has the utmost confidence in the staff to continue to provide exemplary customer service to the people during this time of transition.
Chairman John Farrell responded, “It’s with a heavy heart that we accept your resignation.”
It becomes effective on March 11.
Farrell said the Assistant Town Manager, Lisa Drabik, would remain in her role.
Smith said, “This is not good-bye.” He and his family plan to remain in Londonderry, attending his kid’s sporting events and announcing the football games.
“And maybe,” Smith concluded, “With some hard work and a little luck, I’ll have the opportunity to serve you all again in a different capacity.”
Smith said it is his intent to formally announce his candidacy for the United States Senate in the not too distant future.