PHILLIPS - - Jim Collins has taken over as the new Phillips Town Manager, starting in early November. After decades of municipal experience, he said he's looking forward to a long stay in the western mountains of Maine.

"Phillips is a nice scenic town. I have always enjoyed this part of the state," he explained. The University of Maine graduate has a bachelor's degree in political science and masters in public administration. Collins has been working with municipalities for over 30 years. He started back in 1979 as the combined town manager of the towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. Most recently he worked as the town manager for Carmel for the past three years.

Thus far he's enjoyed working with the town folks and with the elected officers, he said. "The selectmen are a very dedicated group. They are forward-thinking and want what is best for the town," he said.

Hi experience also includes the duties of town manager in Fayette, Jay, Ashland, Bridgeton as well as work as a code enforcement agent, project developer, sales and leasing manager, community development grant writer and law enforcement. He also has experience in land use planning, bid preparation, budget and financing deal- ings and maintenance and construction among other duties.

One thing he said he'd like to immediately address in town is the future acquisition of some new highway equipment and the implementation of new and improved roads.

In his spare time he likes to bird and deer hunt, troll for salmon, snowmobile and work and play in the great outdoors. He's already an active member of the local snowmobile club.

Collins has been or is a member of over 25 associations including involvement in such groups such as an executive board member of AVCOG, KVCG, Northern Maine Development Commission and the first vice president of the Maine Town and City Management Association. He's also a member of several local chapters such as organizations like the Lions Club and local chambers of commerce.

"I always strive to be a fair person and use the same yardstick when dealing with people in the course of my work," he explained.

He went out of his way to thank former manager Lynne White and Elaine Hubbard for their assistance in the transition. "I'd like to thank them for their help and their patience in dealing with all my questions," he said.