Saugus manager candidates state their cases

SAUGUS – The Board of Selectmen came well-prepared for its interviews with the three candidates for the town manager?s position Wednesday and Thursday in Town Hall?s auditorium.First, the board welcomed the trio to Saugus. Members asked the candidates specific questions in 19 disciplines ranging from describing their communication style – informal and formal – to managing change. Selectmen asked follow-up questions, and candidates asked members questions.Mark Rees, of North Andover, went first Wednesday. When Chairman Ellen Faiella asked Rees of his baseline information technology knowledge, he jokingly answered it was to hire an IT director.Faiella replied, “Boy, that was very good,” but Rees did say he is confident and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.Responding to a question by Dever, Rees said putting together a balanced budget is most critical. He described the budget as the most important document in a community, and said he would also put together a series of workshops with objectives to help move the town forward.Most recently, Rees served as city manager in Portland, Maine, with a population of more than 65,000 and a budget of $220 million from July 2011 to September 2014.When Selectman Stephen Castinetti asked the question that he said stands out the most in everyone?s mind – how familiar is he with Saugus and the recent Board of Selectmen issues – Rees said he is somewhat familiar, though he is still conducting research.?I?ve decided to put my hat in a ring,” Rees said. “There?s great opportunity to do good work here in Saugus.”Sean Fitzgerald?s interview Thursday went 40 minutes over (the interviews were to last an hour). He described himself as a community builder and sustainer, adding that Saugus is on the move.In response to Selectman Paul H. Allan?s question of the key strategic goals associated with being town manager, Fitzgerald said, “It?s important to figure out what the Board of Selectmen?s key strategic goals are and what they hope to accomplish,” he said. “I would lead the town to have a balanced budget. I would like every municipal officer have a copy of maps and watersheds since Saugus has a flooding concern with Saugus River.”Fitzgerald said he and the selectmen would work hand-in-hand and that teamwork with other municipal officials is crucial.Selectman Debra Panetta asked Fitzgerald about achievement orientation.?My three top goals are to continue to move the school building project forward,” Fitzgerald said. “I?d look into additional funding to strengthen town?s finances. I?d like to look at flood negotiation strategies.He would also like to engage small businesses in a coffee hour at Town Hall.Most recently, Fitzgerald has served as town manager in Plaistow, N.H. with a population of 7,800, a $7.8 million town budget with 65 employees from November 2008 to present.David S. Van Dam of Swampscott, the final candidate interviewed, described himself as a consensus builder with the ability to gather people together in the same room.?I have experience with the Massachusetts School Building Association (MSBA) when we built the new Swampscott High School,” Van Dam said. “That?s one of the priorities, from what I read. I?m very constituent-driven.”Most recently, Van Dam has served as the Chief of Staff to Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini, from 2011 to present.As far as communication style, Van Dam said he communicates well with the press, residents, school committee, and employees, describing that and relationship-building as his greatest strength.?If I were town manager, it?s not my community, but our community,” Van Dam said. “It?s important to listen to what people have to say. I see myself serving the selectmen?s agenda, which means serving the community?s agenda.”All three candidates said they were available for subsequent interviews next week.Further discussion on the candidates will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.