BREAKING NEWS: Cornell Knight back as interim town manager in Bar Harbor

BAR HARBOR, Aug. 14, 2023 - Former town manager Cornell Knight, who retired and then went to work for the law firm which is suing the town for its cruise ship ordinance, has been named interim town manager to replace Sarah Gilbert, the town treasurer whose contract as interim manager expires Sept. 30.

It is well known among insiders that Gilbert did not like the interim role and wanted to return as treasurer and finance director.

Town clerk Liz Graves’ announcement tonight stated that, “As a condition of his temporary service for Bar Harbor, Knight is no longer employed by Eaton Peabody Consulting Group.”

The QSJ will have ample time to unpack this development.

The town press release stated,

“The Town Council is contracting with Knight to work three days per week for the coming months while the search for a new permanent manager continues. The town reopened the search in late June when several candidates withdrew their applications.”

“The Council is so grateful for Sarah Gilbert’s help over these past eight months, but it’s time to provide more support for her, staff and the Council as we continue to work through infrastructure projects, draft the comprehensive plan, take on housing issues and begin to think about the FY25 budget,” Council Chair Valerie Peacock said.

“Cornell Knight’s experience with the staff and town means he can get right to work, while we hope to find a new manager in the stack of applications we’ve just received. We’re happy to welcome him as interim Town Manager.”

Many questions remain about how a recent Eaton Peabody employee will be able to represent the town in its various litigation and what the role the town’s law firm Rudman Winchell played in advising council members on this appointment.

Stay tuned.