Line Comeau took the position of Dunbarton town administrator in December, after seven years working in Town Hall.

“I was startled when people seemed pleased to see me as the new administrator,” said Comeau. “Then I realized how encouraging that was!”

Comeau began working for Dunbarton as a part-time secretary in the Assessors Office after two decades in retail management. She and her family have lived in Goffstown for more than 20 years, and she had grown tired of the long commutes, and especially of the schedules that demanded she work on holidays while her family was at home.

“I was working two parttime jobs when I heard about the opening in the Assessors Office, and I thought to myself, ‘Gee, that would be a nice place to work!’”

Her job soon had her assuming the secretarial duties of the Tax Assessing Office, and she was then offered a full-time position in the Building Department.

“When I went full time in the Building Department, it was at a peak here in Dunbarton, and we were very busy. It’s always a good challenge to be busy!”

Working at Town Hall was a positive change for Comeau.

“I actually began to learn to relax and see the scenery again,” said Comeau. “I really noticed that first fall foliage after working nights.”

After many years dealing directly with the public, she was concerned that her new position as administrator would prevent her from interacting with the community.

“(But) I was really surprised at the involvement of the public,” said Comeau.

Comeau labels herself a “people-person” and describes herself as patient and someone who enjoys extra challenges.

The selection process for the new town administrator was fraught with challenges. When Janice VanDeBogart retired in June, Dunbarton selectmen needed to interview candidates to replace her. Two selectmen are needed to vote on any issue, and at the time, that was impossible.

One of the candidates up for the job was Selectman Mert Mann, and he would not have been able to participate in the vote.

Another selectman, Rene Forcier, was battling cancer at the time and was not able to sit through the interview process. He died in November. That left only Selectman Leslie Hammond available.

The town then hired the Local Government Center for initial job screenings, as well as a second round of interviews.

Unable to move the selection process forward, the selection committee chairman asked Comeau to step in and run the Town Hall offices as the search continued. There were no job promises, but Comeau rose to yet another challenge.

“I had a good connection with the people in the offices. I have really gotten to know department heads and how they run their departments,” said Comeau. “I understand their ideas and hard work and committment, and was able to bring that back to the selectmen. “The biggest change in the office since I officially accepted the position of administrator is trying to maintain a positive atmosphere,” said Comeau.

“The selectmen have been very supportive, but we are facing challenging times.

“I believe I will stay in the community for many years. The people who come into this office treat us very well, and are very involved in making this a great place to live. I care about the taxpayers and I care about their needs.”