Saugus setting baseline for Town Manager search

SAUGUS – Mending fences and building bridges was the main theme at the Town Hall auditorium Wednesday night, as the Saugus Board of Selectmen met with around 30 residents in an open forum to discuss qualifications of a new Town Manager.Steve Worthley said he?s seen “a little bit of a divide” in Town Hall, and wants to see a manager who can work with everyone in town and have a greater emphasis on the kids of Saugus.?We hope that the new Town Manager would be willing to go so far as to work with the superintendent and work with the other departments,” said Worthley. “If we can continue down that path, there is no obstacle that we can?t do together.”Saugus Police Officer and Town Meeting member Stephen McCarthy said he wants the Town to hire a manager who is more “approachable” and has good contract negotiation skills.?The town has had maybe a less than stellar performance with setting new contracts in a timely fashion,” said McCarthy, who is also a union representative for the Police Department. “Just from experience I know we?ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars litigating contracts that probably could have been better served in some other capacity in the town.”For Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Edward Boesel, the ability to listen and be diplomatic will be key for a new Town Manager.?We?re never going to get everybody what they want, it?s going to be a matter of doing the best we can with what we?ve got,” said Boesel.Stephanie Puracchio, co-president of the Veterans Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, said being a Saugus resident should be considered for a new manager as well as strong listening and communication skills.?Someone who did live in town would be a great asset to this position,” said Puracchio. “It can?t obviously be just limited to that, but it would be great ? and also someone who is maybe proactive instead of reactive.”Hamilton Street resident Rick Smith emphasized a “strong Saugus background,” and said a new Town Manager should show accountability.?Saugus is very unique,” said Smith. “I think a future candidate should be very familiar with how our town runs. I think the new Town Manager should also show tremendous accountability to himself, to (the Board of Selectmen) and to other department heads. I think accountability is huge in the search process.”In between speakers, selectmen Chairman Scott Crabtree said having public input will be a vital role in finding a new Town Manager.?We feel it?s an important aspect trying to get input and ideas and incorporate them in what we?re trying to look for,” said Crabtree. “We all have a common interest and that?s Saugus and trying to figure out a future plan.”The Board of Selectmen will hold another public forum on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].