Old Orchard Beach Town Manager Larry Mead, in his role as president of the Maine Town, City and County Management Association, has called for the resignation of Jackman Town Manager Tom Kawczynski, who has recently come under fire for promoting white supremacist views. 

Kawczynski oversees the website newalbion.org, a website that claims to be “defending the people and culture of New England.” The website supports “voluntary separation” of races. 

“For the people of New England, our folk are primarily white people of European ancestry and ideas, emphasizing the value of work, communing with nature, and a society based upon order. There is a place for everyone who fits that vision, but it will have its roots in our shared culture,” wrote Kawczynski in a Dec. 8 post.

Kawczynski, 37, recently told the Bangor Daily News that he wants to preserve this region’s white majority and keep out Muslims, but rejected the idea that his views are racist, saying that people of different racial backgrounds are welcome in his movement as long as their culture is “rooted in Western civilization.”

Mead, as president of the Maine Town, City and County Management Association, represents more than 200 members.

“We reject and condemn the principles of division, uniformity, and white separatism espoused by Mr. Kawczynski,” wrote Mead in a written statement on Sunday. 

Mead said the “divisive and extreme” beliefs and opinions publicly expressed this past week  by Kawczynski are incompatible with the role and responsibilities of a municipal manager. 

“As a private citizen Mr. Kawczynski is entitled to espouse his belief in the separation of races, the objectification of women, and the exclusion of religious beliefs other than his own, however extreme or offensive this may be to other people,” wrote Mead. “However, his public advocacy of such beliefs disqualifies him from serving as town manager. He should resign.”

The Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce issued a written statement Saturday. 
“First, know that when interviewed, a person is NOT asked their religion, political preference, or views on race and nationality, for example, so this is just as shocking and offensive to us. Second, the Jackman Maine community do not share his views and call on the town selectman to do what is needed,” wrote chamber executives.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.