Politics & Government
Bedford Town Manager Resigns
Jessie Levine began in Bedford in September of 2012.
After a little more than a year as Bedford Town Manager Jessie Levine informed the Bedford Town Council Wednesday that she will be stepping down from her position.
Levine, who was chosen to replace former town manager Russ Marcoux after a 10 month search, assumed the post on Sept. 4, 2012.
Though she moved to Bedford shortly after taking the job, she cited personal reasons for her resignation and will be returning to her former home in Springfield.
She has formally accepted the position of Sullivan County Manager. She will begin work at her new position on Jan. 15, two days after her final day in Bedford.
"I just want to express my heartfelt appreciation for everything this community has done for me and to the town council for supporting all the initiatives that the Department Heads and I have brought before them," Levine told Patch. "We've accomplished a lot of really positive things in my time here, and I know the town council will find a suitable replacement who will be able to pick up the ball and run with it."
In her letter of resignation, Levine stated: “Despite my move to Bedford and my responsibilities as your town manager, my heart never truly left the Upper Valley ... I cannot pass up this opportunity to return to the part of the state that I love and where I have a strong base of friends and loved ones.”
“Bedford is a wonderful community,” added Levine. “While I look forward to returning home, I will miss working with Bedford’s very special group of volunteers and staff.”
Bedford Town Council Chairman Chris Bandazian expressed disappointment in the loss of Levine as town manger, though he was both understanding and encouraging in a prepared statement.
“The Town Council regretfully accepted the resignation of Town Manager Jessie Levine, but fully understands the attraction of returning to the Upper Valley and the ties that draw her back there,” said Bandazian. “In her short tenure in Bedford, Jessie has compiled a long list of significant accomplishments and has advanced an impressive number of long term projects that are works in progress. Although Jessie will be relocating, she brings with her many enduring friendships in our community. The Council extends its best wishes for continued success to Jessie in her new endeavors.”
Find out what's happening in Bedfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bandazian assured the citizens of Bedford that the council would work diligently to fill the vacancy with a qualified replacement.
"Although hiring an equally capable town manager will be a challenging task, the council has initiated the process of retaining another superior town manager,” he said.
Find out what's happening in Bedfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I appreciate the faith and trust that the town council and the community invested in me when I was hired,” said Levine, who has committed to work hard during the next 60 days to make the transition as easy as possible.
“The Town of Bedford is in good hands with its excellent and experienced department heads, each among the best in the state in his or her area of expertise,” she added.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
