Selectman Don Clement's reasonable and appropriate motion to form an Economic Development Director hiring committee was defeated 3-2. No surprise that the triad who gives the Town Manager anything he wants voted as they did. Clearly there was no downside to Clement's motion. But, the Town Manager now maintains absolute control of the process. While he says he will call on others who will assist in screening candidates will they be entirely objective? Who will be the rep from the Board of Selectmen. Certainly not Clement or Surman who favored a committee?
At $80,000 to $85,000 per year, plus benefits and office and business expenses, this is not an inexpensive venture. Sadly Gilman, Chartrand and Bellanger prefer a less transparent method of selecting the candidate best suited to the job and not easily influenced by those having their own personal agenda. We'll leave it to the readers to decide who the latter are.
By the way, Surman was correct in questioning and opposing the title "Administrator." Along with her reading add this. Administrator means carrying out someone else's directions. So, who will provide this direction, the Town Manager or the Town Planner? The candidate selected should have credentials far exceeding either of these individuals, so should be given wide freedom of movement.
So the BOS passed up an opportunity for all the Board Members to find common ground with this future investment. That decision was absolutely childishly insane reasoning. Thank you Don and Anne for your sanity.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful Publius. We are witnessing an another obvious example of lack of leadership by several of the BOS and decision making based on fear coupled with a lack of any independent thought. Not a good sign.
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