Rochester Town Administrator Michael McCue did not get chosen by the Fairhaven Board of Selectmen on December 14 to fill the position of that town’s first town administrator, so he will remain in Rochester.
McCue was one of three final candidates selected by a town administrator screening committee, and he interviewed for the position back on December 5. Also vying for the position were Mark Rees, former city manager for the City of Portland, Maine, and Gregory Enos, current Whitman Town Administrator Assistant. Rees was chosen for the Fairhaven position in a unanimous vote on December 14, and the board stated that contract negotiations with Rees would commence that afternoon.
Fairhaven selectmen said that even though all three candidates were well suited for the position, Rees was the one candidate who “shined through,” as Selectman Charles Murphy put it.
“We had three very qualified candidates apply,” said Murphy, “…I think each candidate had great qualities to be a town administrator.”
Murphy specified that McCue’s background in economic development made his a strong contender for the position. But Chairman Geoff Haworth pointed out that Rees’ proven leadership during critical times such as the one in which Fairhaven finds itself made him the most qualified.
“A very positive that has come from this has been the number of people that expressed support for me and hope that somehow I could remain in Rochester,” said McCue. McCue said he sees himself staying put in Rochester for some time, and his contract is still valid until 2017.
By Jean Perry
