WINSLOW, Maine — After about one year on the job, Winslow Town Manager Ella Bowman has announced her resignation, citing hateful rhetoric.
Bowman, one of the only transgender town managers in the country, said her decision was a response to escalating hostility, particularly from social media and certain members of the town council.
Bowman said that after 25 years of public service, the political divide in municipal government and the town of Winslow became too much.
Bowman said she believes her leaving is the only way to bring the town back together.
"To have to leave because of who I am is hard for me to swallow," she said.
Bowman said that much of the negativity has been directed toward her identity as a transgender person.
Winslow's community Facebook pages have allowed for vitriol to spread, according to Bowman.
She read a recent comment on a post about her: "transgender people are sick people with severe psychological problems. They need help. They are no different than pedophiles."
Comments like these have taken a toll on her. "It’s horrible," she said.
The division also extends into the Winslow Town Council, where three councilors have made hurtful comments about her, Bowman said.
Those councilors would not agree to an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine.
Town Councilor Dale Macklin said some councilors have wanted Bowman out of the town manager position, but he's always supported her.
"All of this good stuff has been going on in Winslow right now," Macklin said, "and financially, this town is sitting the best it's been in 15 years."
Winslow Town Assessor Judy Mathiau also expressed her support for Bowman. She said the situation has created a hostile environment in the town office.
"It's a sad moment to think that fellow human beings can be derogatory, insulting," Mathiau said. "It demoralizes what we do here in the office."
Since Bowman announced her resignation, many Winslow residents have shown public support, saying that the negativity does not represent the majority view in the town.
"We need to come together now more than ever to let people know that they are safe in our state, they are safe in our community," resident Taylor White said.
Bowman said she worries for other transgender folks in the community but remains hopeful for the future of Winslow.
"Something has to change," she said. "Be kind, treat people the way you want to be treated."
Bowman's resignation is set to take effect in February. She said the search for her successor will begin soon.