Duwaine Elliott (right) congratulates Rich Martin on his new position as director of operations for the town of Bremen. Elliott is retiring Oct. 26 after 15 years of service in the role. Pilot Photo/Holly Heller

By Holly Heller Staff Writer
BREMEN — Overseeing operations for the town of Bremen is no easy task.
But Rich Martin is ready.
“I’m up for the challenge,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to taking the helm.”
Duwaine Elliott, who has been town director of operations since October 1992, believes Martin is the right man for the job.
“I think he’ll do an excellent job,” Elliott said.
Martin is no stranger to town operations. He began working for the Bremen Water Department 30 years ago, then worked his way up to foreman and then superintendent, a position he has held for the past four years.
“My background and knowledge of the infrastructure have  helped prepare me for the job,” he said. “I get along well with all of the superintendents. I’ve gotten support from Duwaine, the council and the other superintendents.”
As director of operations, Martin’s list of duties is a long one. It includes coordinating special projects as requested by the town council and taking “all measures necessary to ensure the effective operation of the town of Bremen.” The job includes acting as a liaison between the 47 town employees and the town council, consulting with department heads and evaluating purchases. Duties also include resolving complaints and disputes about the town from the public and attending meetings. The town director  also serves as the building commissioner, director of economic development and manager of the Bremen Center for Seniors.
Martin has been working side-by-side with Elliott on a daily basis for several weeks in order to learn the ropes and ensure a smooth transition.
“Right now it’s a joint effort,” Martin said.
Elliott said he’ll do whatever it takes to help prepare Martin for the job.
“I’m trying to get him acclimated. I want to see the transition go as smoothly as possible. I’ll work as many hours as Rich needs me,” Elliott said.
Martin said his overall objective will be to continue on the path of steady growth experienced by the town under Elliott’s leadership.
“We’ve had a nice, steady growth. My goal is to keep that the same over the next 20 years. I want to keep everything going in the right direction. I’m all about Bremen.”
Martin also hopes to emulate Elliott’s fair attitude toward employees.
“His attitude toward every employee is the same. He treats everyone fairly and I want to continue to do the same,” he said.
Elliott credits those around him with any success he may have had.
    “It’s been a good 15 years,” he said. “The councils have given me a tremendous amount of support, and I have gotten excellent support from the employees. Phyllis [Van De Keere] is a great assistant. The clerk-treasurers have always been supportive. If I’ve been successful, it’s because of the people who helped me out over the years.”
    While Martin looks forward to his new position, he will miss the field work that went along with his previous position.
    “The hardest thing will be making the change from field work to office work,” he said. “Me and shovels get along well. That’s going to be hard.”
    He hopes to hold his position for the next 20 years.
    “That would make a nice, 50 years of service,” he said.
    Martin is a lifetime resident of Bremen. He and his wife, Aldona, have two children: Brison, 21 and Britney, 18.