Retiring Town Administrator Michael Gagne joined the Town Administrator Search Committee on July 25 to discuss methods and processes associated with hiring his replacement. The Search Committee includes John DeCosta, Pat Donoghue, Don Carlstom, Jim Turse, Bonne DeSousa, and Gagne.
While their discussion included how to develop protocols and systems for evaluating 25 candidates, it was clear that establishing the strengths of each prospect in areas of finance and human resources was at the top of the list.
The methods for scoring candidate responses to questions and topics topped the discussion, with no one quite able to offer a methodology. However, they did agree that coming up with a list of questions and topics for the candidates could be developed from suggestions received from town department heads and others.
The committee discussed the desired areas of strength in a candidate, finding it necessary for a town administrator to understand the critical role fresh water plays, given the source for four towns was a single aquifer. Another strength is employee engagement and development, especially in the finance department, and an understanding of the aging population with its increasing service needs. A town administrator would also need the ability to evaluate the need for two elementary schools, moving town hall offices, and the disposition on the town hall building. Also of high noteworthy attention was the town’s waterfront, the committee believed.
Donoghue said that all these areas fall under the category of project management. Gagne commented it would be important to point out what a new administrator could and could not accomplish.
Gagne suggested the creation of a single-page document with topics and questions the candidates would be asked to answer during their presentations. He also said it was important to have them speak to their “flagship” accomplishments versus their future plans.
“They could have graduated from Wharton but never done anything,” said Gagne with a chuckle. He said in this way they could be evaluated on their accomplishments versus desires.
The committee then went into executive session to whittle down the 25 prospective candidates.
The next meeting of the Search Committee will be announced soon.
Mattapoisett TA Search Committee
By Marilou Newell