Robert Spain (politician)

Robert Spain (born June 26, 1956) is a former Republican member of the Vermont House of Representatives and former town manager of Millbury, Massachusetts.

Biography

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Robert James Spain Jr. was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 26, 1956, a son of Robert J. Spain and Patricia A. (Quirk) Spain.[1][2] He attended the schools of Worcester, and graduated from Burncoat Senior High School.[1] Spain received a Bachelor of Arts degree in management and public administration from Worcester State University in 1978 and a Master of Arts degree in business management from Webster University in 1985.[1][3] He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and served in the Intelligence field, including postings to Turkey and Germany.[3] He later served in the Vermont Army National Guard.[4]

Spain moved to Bradford, Vermont in 1988, where he owned and operated the Bradford Village Store.[3] He also became a member of the village board of trustees and served on the board of directors of the Bradford Senior Independence Housing Corporation.[1] Spain also served as chairman of Bradford Business Associates and president of the Bradford Republican Committee.[1] In addition, he was active in veterans organizations including Bradford's American Legion Post 20.[1]

In 1992, Spain won election to the Vermont House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Democrat Wayne G. Kenyon.[5] He was reelected in 1994, and served from 1993 to 1997.[5] Spain was defeated by Kenyon in 1996.[5]

After leaving the Vermont legislature, Spain served as town administrator of Millbury, Massachusetts and Uxbridge, Massachusetts, then worked as director of government relations for Charter Communications.[6] Spain was appointed town manager of Millbury in 2008.[7] He served until retiring in 2016.[8]

Spain was married to the former Mary Clancy.[4] They have four daughters.[4] He later married Amy Williams.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Vermont Legislative Directory. Montpelier, VT: Vermont Secretary of State. 1995. p. 161 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Obituary, Robert J. Spain". Legacy.com. Chicago, IL. November 24, 2003. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Legislative Questionnaires — Vermont: Robert Spain, Republican". Valley News. Lebanon, NH. October 28, 1992. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Spain Announces Re-Election Bid". Valley News. Lebanon, NH. July 13, 1994. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Elections Division. "Election Results Archive: Robert Spain". Vermont Elections Database. Montpelier, VT: Vermont Secretary of State. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  6. ^ Boynton, Donna (December 19, 2007). "He's back … as town's manager: Bob Spain named to new town role". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, MA.
  7. ^ Boynton, Donna (July 28, 2010). "Town manager rated 'very good'". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, MA.
  8. ^ Spencer, Susan (March 22, 2016). "Town manager to retire this summer: Spain says he left town in better shape than found it". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, MA.
  9. ^ "Obituary, Patricia Spain, d. January 14, 2018". Mulhane Home for Funerals. Millbury, MA. January 15, 2018.