Marblehead parks and rec super candidates interview

MARBLEHEAD – Recreation Director Mike Lane discussed the day he borrowed a school bus to get 25 kids off Devereux Beach before a storm hit.Burlington Recreation Supervisor Brendan Egan described moving an Easter Egg Hunt indoors after a major spring snowstorm.Former Recreation and Parks commissioner Todd Norman recalled having to let others manage Todd Norman Landscaping and correcting some mistakes that were made.The Recreation and Parks Commission heard those problem-solving stories Tuesday night when they interviewed three candidates for the $55,000-$73,000 post of superintendent of recreation and parks.All three were asked how they would protect Rec and Park’s “market share” against the town’s powerhouse new YMCA facility.”I think park and recreation departments can do things better,” Egan said. “We offer our programs at a better price. In Burlington we offer yoga classes at two-thirds of what they would cost elsewhere.”Norman suggested nature talks, walking tours all over town and more programs for adults at places like Camp Shore Lea. “We could have seniors from the Council on Aging tell historical stories to kids,” he suggested.Lane proposed putting the recreation brochure online and letting townspeople register online using credit cards, an easy access practice that the harbor department already does.Rec and Park Commissioners Derek Norcross, Sam Ganglani, Chip Osborne, Linda Collins and Dave Rodgers are scheduled to meet again tonight at 7 at the Marblehead Community Center to discuss the interviews and vote on an appointment.Lane, a former commission member who has served as Recreation Director twice, mentioned his recent bout with cancer and said he is “conquering” the disease. He described himself as energetic, creative, competitive and a perfectionist.Egan, the president-elect of the Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Association, said he was “a people person,” who is “consistent and fair” and “a good listener.” He said sometimes he has given people too much benefit of the doubt.Norman, who is active in youth sports programs, said he would stress communication and hands-on leadership, especially in the fields and would listen more than he spoke. He also promised to break large jobs down into manageable components.