Fitzgerald sworn in as Saugus town manager

SAUGUS – New Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald was officially sworn in Monday in a ceremony attended by Board of Selectmen and his family.Fitzgerald, of Peabody, was sworn in against the backdrop of a recall election today that could leave him working with a different Board of Selectmen than the one that hired him.Fitzgerald accepted the position and signed his contract last Friday.?It?s an incredible honor, and I?m so grateful to have my family with me,” Fitzgerald said. “I?m going to face wonderful and extraordinary challenges ahead. It?s going to be a privilege to work with everyone in this town to make it the best in the commonwealth.”Fitzgerald said he?s in public service to help people, and that he?s extraordinarily happy.?I hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patrick?s Day,” Fitzgerald said. “May the blessing of St. Patrick be on everyone. I look forward to coming back to Town Hall very soon.”Fitzgerald?s wife, Jenni, a math professor at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, said she?s excited to have him manage a town in Massachusetts. Fitzgerald has served as town manager of Plaistow, N.H., since 2008.?His siblings and mother live in Massachusetts,” she said. “His whole family is so pleased to have him back. I?m so excited in his choice to manage Saugus.”Fitzgerald?s mother said it?s a joy to watch all of her children succeed.?I?m very proud of him and how fortunate he is,” M. Ellen Fitzgerald said. “He?s good to his mother, and I?m good to him.”She said her son makes decisions that are the best ones, but not necessarily the most popular.Selectman Maureen P. Dever said the Board of Selectmen hopes to have a community event at Town Hall to welcome Fitzgerald sometime after the recall election.?Sean is the right man to lead Saugus forward – he will unite Saugus,” Dever said. “He will promote Saugus in a positive manner and work hard on the community?s behalf.”She said the swearing in ceremony was an exciting time for Saugus to move past all the negativity and work together as one.Selectman Stephen L. Castinetti said Saugus is now under professional management.?His energy is going to be contagious,” Castinetti said. “He takes great initiative, and he?s looking forward to the challenge.”Selectman Paul H. Allan said Fitzgerald?s enthusiasm will build momentum for elected officials and residents.