Top 10 Stories of 2012: Bedford Gets its Woman

Bedford Patch launched in June of 2011, making 2012 the first complete year of full-time hyper-local online community coverage in Bedford.

In the last 12 months, readers have been treated with some uplifting and positive stories and accomplishments. At other times, Patch has been forced to cover local and national tragedies that make us all take pause and remember who and what is most important to us.

We thought it only fitting that, as we approach 2013, we look back at some of the most interesting and newsworthy local stories of the last year. After all, where else are you going to get a list that's entirely dedicated to Bedford?

#10: Bedford Selects its Next Town Manager

Following the greater portion of a year and two extensive searches, the Bedford Town Council selected Jessie Levine as its next town manager in late July.

The announcement came nearly nine months after the unexpected passing of Russ Marcoux, who had held the position for five years.

The Bedford Town Council conducted two searches, one on its own, and the other with the , the same group that helped Marcoux and the Council select Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski in 2011.

The first search fell through after the Council's choice candidate backed out due to what were identified as relocation concerns.

The second process, however, proved successful as Levine was selected from a group of 67 applicants.

She was sworn in as the new Bedford Town Manager in early September, and has already submitted (with the help of former interim town manager Crystal Dionne) and helped modify the proposed 2013 municipal operating budget.

Prior to being hired in Bedford, Levine served as the Hanover Assistant Town Manager and Human Resources Director, and before that she was the New London Town Administrator for 10 years.

Town Council Chairman Bill Dermody, at the time of the hiring, said Levine wowed he and fellow councilors with her experience, demeanor and vision for the future.

“Ms. Levine really impressed the Council with her knowledge and understanding of NH local government; her familiarity with Bedford and the level of respect that she enjoys from her peers and past and current employers,” said Dermody. “The amount of research she did before the interview was impressive, she was thoroughly prepared and demonstrated a level of competence and dedication to public service that convinced us all that she’s the right person for the job; we have a strong and capable group of department heads here in Bedford and the Council is confident that Jessie will be an outstanding leader and addition to our municipal team. “

In the earlier stages of her career, after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, Levine was a legal assistant and litigation manager for two Boston law firms.

She has also served as a member of the Board of the NH Local Government Center, is an active member of the Municipal Managers Association of NH and the International City & County Management Association and is involved in a number of civic and community service organizations.

Levine is an alumnus of the Leadership NH Program, the recipient of the 2007 ICMA Program Excellence Award and she was designated as one of the 40 Emerging Leaders in NH by the Union Leader/BIA in 2010.

The Top 10 Newsworthy Stories of 2012

#10: Bedford hires a new town manager

#9: Frank Szabo's abortion remarks spark outrage

#8: Bedford All-Stars fall one win short of Little League World Series

#7: Bedford plays large role in Romney's primary victory

#6: Sandy knocks out power to thousands in Bedford

#5: Plenty of Fireworks in District 9 Senate Race

#4: Sparks fly in Bedford Town Moderator Race

#3: Sunday, Dec. 30 4 p.m.

#2: Monday, Dec. 31, 6 a.m.

#1: Monday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.

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