Longtime LWSC deputy Tucker retiring

LYNN – The Lynn Water and Sewer Commission hasn’t filled a commission job held by a veteran local politician in 25 years, but deputy director Robert Tucker’s pending retirement means the task looms ahead of them.The former City Council president filed paperwork with the city Retirement Board to retire on Aug. 1 with 40 years municipal and commission service credited to him. Board Director Gary Brenner said depending on which retirement option Tucker selects, he will receive a pension of up to $9,000 a month computed against his $135,000 annual salary including longevity benefits.Tucker on Wednesday declined to discuss his retirement or the process to pick his successor.”It was a pleasant experience working with Water and Sewer employees – the office staff working behind the scenes and the workers on the streets keeping the pipes flowing in subzero and 90-degree weather,” he said.Veteran commissioner William Trahant Sr. said Tucker’s retirement comes as a surprise.”He dropped it on us with pretty short notice,” Trahant said.Trahant and commission Chairman Wayne Lozzi said Tucker’s exodus as one of the commission’s longest-serving top executives leaves the five commissioners – Lozzi, Trahant, Peter Capano, Walter Proodian and David Ellis – with several decisions to make.They said the deputy director’s job responsibilities could change.Tucker during his career served as the public face of the commission on its long-range combined storm sewer project. He also handled labor relations work involving unionized Water and Sewer employees.He was subsequently named Water and Sewer management operations director and named deputy director 10 years ago.The decision to hire Tucker’s replacement lies with the commission, but Daniel O’Neill, the commission’s executive director, said Water and Sewer needs a skilled human resources director who can combine Tucker’s labor relations skills with employee management ability.”Someone versed in that area would be an enormous asset,” O’Neill said.Lozzi said any vote to hire Tucker’s replacement will probably not take place before the September commission meeting. He said the management operations job will attract candidates.”No one’s reached out to me, but I imagine there will be a lot of interest,” he said.Tucker was a 22-year-old Gordon College graduate in 1975 when he ran and won the Ward 4 City Council seat. By 1985, he was council president and his move to Water and Sewer – where he was initially hired as special programs manager – set the stage for a council scramble to replace Tucker in the top council job.Proodian said Tucker’s retirement will set off a similar scramble for the deputy director’s job. No potential candidates for the job have approached him – yet.”I’m sure I will hear from someone,” Proodian said.