Town manager candidates set for interviews

SAUGUS – It?s been a long time coming, but the time is finally here for the trio of town manager interviews.Saugus Cable Access Television will broadcast live from the scene, and each candidate will be allotted one hour. The interviews will take place at Town Hall auditorium, 298 Central St.Mark Rees, of North Andover, will be interviewed tonight at 8 p.m.Pending the snow forecast for later this week, next in line will be Sean Fitzgerald of Peabody, who will interview Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by David Van Dam, of Swampscott, at 8 p.m.The trio of interviews will be followed by discussion on the process.According to Board of Selectmen Clerk Wendy L. Reed, Anthony Ansaldi of Malden, who was originally slated for 7 p.m. tonight, withdrew his candidacy. As for why, Reed said all he told the Board was that it was for personal reasons after Tuesday?s Board of Selectmen meeting. He could not be reached for comment.During the meeting, Board of Selectmen Chair Ellen Faiella said this week might not be the only time the three potential town managers are brought before the board.?Should further questions arise, additional interviews will take place the same day next week: Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 19,” Faiella said. “We may bring them back, because we want to know more about them.”The board made the interview questions final Saturday. Faiella said each candidate will answer questions pertaining to various topics.She got a jump start on meeting the final three and was impressed by their caliber.?I?ve had the pleasure of speaking to each gentleman,” Faiella said. “They?re very professional, and they were excited to have a conversation with us. Tomorrow is a great opportunity not only for the board, but for the town to get to know them.”Selectman Maureen Dever said she is extremely proud of the process that the search advisory committee, spearheaded by Josh Dellheim, Peter Rossetti and Bob Cox, followed.?I don?t ever recall a formal plan like that,” Dever said. “There were originally 30 applicants and they narrowed them down to three applicants. We?re very excited to have candidates who can move this town forward in a professional manner.”