Marblehead parks and rec superintendent chosen

MARBLEHEAD – The Recreation and Park Commission needed only seven minutes to choose a new $55,000-$73,000 superintendent of recreation and parks.Burlington Recreation Supervisor Brendan Egan, a Beverly resident, was appointed on the first ballot with the support of Commissioners Linda Collins, Sam Ganglani and Chip Osborne, a three-vote majority.Commissioner David Rodgers voted for Marblehead Assistant Superintendent and Recreation Supervisor Mike Lane and Chairman Derek Norcross voted for former Commissioner Todd Norman, president of Todd Norman Landscaping.The vote was subject to a formal check of Egan’s references.Collins said she was supporting a candidate who had a bachelor’s degree, as stated in the advertisement for the position.Lane attended the meeting and left quickly after the commission adjourned. Asked for comment, he said, “My gut reaction is, I have 30 years service. In 1971 a bachelor’s degree in anything wouldn’t have done me any good. This isn’t sour grapes but experience is what people seem to care about when they hire someone.”R. Thomas “Tom” Hamond, who has held the post for 32 years, is scheduled to retire March 31. Egan is scheduled to work with Hamond before then, to ensure a smooth transition.