Gaucher named interim acting Lynn DPW commissioner

LYNN – John T. Gaucher has been named interim acting Lynn Department of Public Works commissioner.”All of us at the interview thought he would make a really good choice,” Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said.The out-of-towner has more than 30 years experience in all functions of public works, including engineering, roads, parks and recreation, solid waste, water, sewer, wastewater, cemetery and facilities. He has also been involved with negotiating contracts for curbside collection and waste disposal, she added. He also has a degree in civil engineering.”J.T. has a proven record of success in the communities he has worked,” Kennedy said. “I am confident that he is well prepared to lead the Lynn DPW at this time.”Gaucher, who is from Millbury, a town in the central part of the state, called Lynn a premier job and said he is excited to work for the city, even if it is only an interim position.”Under the circumstances we thought it best for all concerned that we hire the short-term for now,” Kennedy said.With the mayors’ race, it’s unlikely a new, permanent DPW head will be named until after the November election. Lisa Nerich, who was acting commissioner, will return to deputy commissioner status.Gaucher, who started the job Monday, had served as DPW director in Webster since 2010. Prior to that he served in the same capacity from 2002 to 2010 in Hopkinton, where the town’s recycling rate reportedly rose from 17 percent to 28 percent during his tenure. However, with a population that hovers around 13,500, Hopkinton is considerably smaller than Lynn.Kennedy noted that also while in Hopkinton, Gaucher was on the negotiating team for a waste-disposal contract with Wheelabrator Millbury, and Lynn is currently negotiating a new disposal contract with Wheelabrator Saugus.When looking at Lynn, Gaucher said he will especially rely on his experience in road construction, contract management and procurement procedure in his new position. According to his resume he also oversaw the implementation of a $10 million road improvement bond as DPW director in Woonsocket, R.I.”This position provides a great opportunity to advance,” Gaucher said. “I’m grateful the mayor has given me this opportunity.”