On November 23 the Mattapoisett Select Board met with the three finalists vying for the open position of Director of Inspectional Services. This critical job vacancy had been held for decades by Andy Bobola, who has retired, leaving it was up to the Select Board with the assistance of Town Administrator Mike Lorenco to fill the position.
The three finalists were Scott Shippey, a Wareham resident currently employed by the Town of Marion as building commissioner, James Marot of Lakeville, currently employed by the Town of Acushnet as building commissioner, and Stephen Brodo, a Mattapoisett resident working as his town’s assistant building inspector since 2016.
When it came time to deliberate who was their pick for the job, the Select Board members seemed to each favor a different candidate. But, in the end, they agreed to offer the job to Marot. The appointment is contingent upon successful negotiations.
Each candidate was given five minutes to share with the Select Board reasons why they wanted the job and why they believed their qualifications made them the right candidate for hire. Following that narrative, the Select Board members and Lorenco took turns posing the same battery of questions.
Each prospect was asked to address his familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), provide an example of when his eye for detail aided a particular situation, the ability to handle employee management and/or property-owner issues including difficult scenarios, knowledge of FEMA regulations, conflicts of interest, ability to collaborate with other town departments, and knowledge of Green Community initiatives.
The candidates were also asked what are the top two things that they would do immediately if hired. There were times during the 30-minute interview process where other questions were posed, but in general the questioning was uniform.
Shippey noted his 36 years in the construction industry and since 2010 as building inspector for the Town of Marion, 13 years as Marion’s fire inspector and his carpentry skills. He responded that he is not currently working with GIS systems but believes they provide easier access to the permitting process. Regarding his ability to work with other town departments, Shippey commented that board members sometimes do not agree due to their “passion” and that there have been occasions when his interjections have steered board members away from potential violations of state Open Meeting Law.
Asked about dealing with the public, Shippey confessed that “my life has been threatened,” and said remaining calm is necessary. “If a situation can’t be diffused, then end the conversation,” he said. Shippey noted his familiarity with Green Communities, given that Marion embraced the programming several years ago. The top two things he said he would do immediately if hired were a review permit fee structures and the use of computer programs for permitting.
Brodo began his narrative by sharing that he was enlisted in the Navy for 26 years and has always wanted to be part of “something bigger than myself.” He stated that he enjoys “being the guy,” the go-to decision maker. Brodo said he has been in the community for 16 years and wants to give back to the town after years of “caring for the nation.” He said he has a working knowledge of GIS systems. Regarding his eye for detail, he responded he has to be aware of all details, saying he has a background in mechanical engineering.
Of his ability to work with difficult people or situations, Brodo said that in the past he had been challenged doing what he termed “verbal judo.” In the end, however, talking things through, explaining why things had to be a certain way, worked. “In the Navy there are rules of engagement – I don’t want to shoot.” Brodo said talking things through rather than going to court is important. Although not fully versed on Green Community programs (Mattapoisett will be pursuing this program in the coming months), Brodo believes such programs are beneficial to the country as a whole.
Marot said he has been a building commissioner for 17 years and believes that, with his qualifications, “I have something to offer.” He said he is presently using GIS systems and agrees with the benefit that such programming provides, especially during the recent pandemic. He was asked about his ability to work with elected and appointed board members. Marot said he would sit down with board members to review bylaws, sharing that when he started in Acushnet things operated on the “old boy” system, something he had to turn around during his tenure.
Marot said he is deeply familiar with FEMA regulations. He shared that he believes as a building director one acts as an “ambassador” of the town so that, if confronted with difficult situations such as not passing something during field inspections, problems can be solved “by talking things turned out.”
He said his first job is safety, second is enforcing bylaws, and third is being an ambassador for the town.
As the board continued its interview, Marot explained his deep involvement with Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School through various projects in Acushnet. He has been a member of the school’s Advisory Board, as well as its use of Green Community opportunities.
Board member Jodi Bauer believed Marot could easily transition into the position, saying, “he brings a lot to the table,” including such as knowledge of Green Community programs and a tight relationship with Old Colony.
Member Tyler Macallister said any of the three candidates would be a good pick with Marot being more polished and Brodo possessing local knowledge. Macallister also appreciated Brodo’s service to the country. He went on to say that Brodo had done work on his home so that he was familiar with his eye for detail and willingness to fix things that others might have overlooked.
Select Board chairman Jordan Collyer said that Shippey was “great” and that, with Marot and Brodo, there were “pros and cons.” But he commented that there is much to be done. “There’s a bunch of stuff we need to do. … Do we want to shake things up a bit, get things done, ramp things up quickly or move more slowly to reach goals?”
Bauer responded promptly, saying, “Jim has the experience to jump right in … he’s a strong candidate … we’d be crazy not to grab him.”
While Macallister preferred Brodo, he said that whoever got the job they would sit down with to discuss their role in the bigger picture. He hoped that, if Marot was ultimately selected, he would work with Brodo to bring him up to the next level. Collyer agreed, saying a mentoring role is needed.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell