NAHANT — The Town Administrator Search Committee is eager to learn what the community wants to see from the next person to take the position when it holds a public meeting on June 16 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
The committee has nine members: Robert Fields, Robert Fray, Robert Steinberg and David Walsh were appointed by Town Moderator Peter Barba; Joshua Antrim, Donnalee Leonardo, and Daniel McMackin were appointed by the Select Board; Julie Tarmy was appointed by the Finance Committee, and Jennifer McCarthy was appointed by Town Administrator Tony Barletta.
Frary, committee chair, explained the process for the committee and what it hopes to accomplish by reaching out to the community for its input.
“The purpose is to hear from interested citizens about the professional, organizational and personal qualities they feel are important when considering candidates for the next town administrator,” Frary said. “In order to represent the community’s needs, we are seeking input from all citizens.”
Frary outlined two key phases for the committee.
“During phase one, we’ll define professional or personal attributes that we feel are required in the next town administrator,” Frary said. “And during the second phase, we’ll screen applicants with reference to those attributes… From that work, at least three candidates will emerge, who will then be recommended to the Select Board — and from there, the board is responsible for hiring and establishing the new terms for his, or her, contract.”
He added that all applications are accepted in confidence. “It’s not until someone becomes a finalist that they’re contacted and told, and they’re asked if they wish to continue on before their name is made public,” Frary said. He noted that this is common for other search committees.
Frary said that if any resident is unable to attend the meeting but still wishes to voice their input, they can email their perspective and thoughts to [email protected] — or mail them to the Town Administrator Search Committee at 334 Nahant Road.
The committee will be continuing to evaluate potential candidates through the end of July — and hopes to start narrowing down the search sometime in August, Frary explained.
Committee member Jen McCarthy said she’s eager to see what the community has to say.
“I’m excited to be a part of the committee and for the team members that stepped up, even though we’re just starting out,” McCarthy said. “We’re excited to have the community offer some input, and we hope people come and share what traits they want in their next town administrator.”
Chair of the Select Board Rob Tibbo shared his thoughts on the committee’s progress, and his excitement to keep moving forward.
“I’m very pleased with the progress that the committee is making, and I’m also looking forward to hearing public input in the next meeting on June 16,” Tibbo said.
