Saugus search committee interviews underway

SAUGUS – The Board of Selectmen interviewed two of the six applicants Thursday for what will be a three-member Town Manager Search Committee.The need for a new town manager arose when the Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to terminate former Town Manager Scott Crabtree on Oct. 29.Selectman Stephen Castinetti asked search committee applicant Joshua Dellheim for his opinion regarding Saugus residency. Dellheim said he did not consider residency to be of vital importance. He said that although a resident may be more attuned to the needs of the town, an outside candidate could bring new ideas and viewpoints. “I think an outsider’s perspective could be a breath of fresh air,” he said.He also said communications and transparency are paramount for a town manager.”Communication always seems to be the root of where things fall through,” said Dellheim.Originally from Peabody, Dellheim said he moved to Saugus two years ago and is currently the front office manager at W Boston Hotel where he supervises 15 employees. Dellheim said he has worked for the hotel since April 2010. Dellheim holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Salem State University.Sherri Raftery also applied to be on the search committee. She is the executive director of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce and an alternate member of the Saugus Board of Appeals.Raftery holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Emerson College and a master’s in education from Endicott College.In response to Castinetti’s question regarding residency, Raftery agreed with Dellheim in that it should not be a deciding factor.”It should depend on the person,” she said. “It could be more limited if you say just Saugus.”Raftery said the top two qualifications that she would look for are transparency and prior management experience.”I want to help find someone who will turn the town around,” she said.In addition to working with several chief executive officers, Raftery said she has established working relationships with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Revere Mayor Daniel Rizzo.Castinetti underscored the level of responsibility expected of those chosen for the search committee.”You’re not just hiring an employee, you’re hiring a CEO, CFO and COO.Selectmen Chairman Ellen Faiella said the board will interview the remaining four applicants before making a decision. Those candidates include Town Meeting member Robert Cox, library trustee Cynthia Fordham, former Duxbury Town Manager Richard MacDonald and Planning Board Chairman Peter Rossetti.Susan Thomas, owner of Monarch Realty, interviewed for a seat on Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust. Thomas is also the site administrator of Saugus.com. She said she decided to apply for the position based on her real estate experience and conversations with current trustee Thomas Traverse.”They needed someone who can motivate and I’m a motivator,” she said.Chester Stentiford applied for re-appointment to the Cultural Council.Following Stentiford’s interview, Faiella said that anyone applying for re-appointment should not be obligated to meet with the selectmen. For those seeking another term, Vice Chairman Maureen Dever recommended that the selectmen speak with the chairman of that particular board to determine if a re-appointment should be granted.