Clarksburg Search Committee Selections Close to Home

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
09:53PM / Thursday, February 16, 2012Print Story | Email Story

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Two local people are being presented to the Selectmen as potential town administrators.

Debra LeFave, former chairman of the board, and David Tatro of Pownal, Vt., who grew up on Middle Road, made the cut Thursday night after two other candidates dropped out.

"We had 11 applicants and got to four and then there were two no-shows," said search committee Chairwoman Mary Beverly on Thursday. "We're sending them on to the Board of Selectmen."

The committee, comprised of Finance Committee members Beverly, Paula Wells and Linda Ethier, Council on Aging Vice President Shirley Therrien and School Committee Chairman David Berger had expected to interview four candidates to fill the post of Michael Canales. Canales is leaving on March 5 for a post with the city of North Adams.

Paul Boudreau, the town administrator for Lanesborough, had applied but withdrew his name. Boudreau announced in January he was taking a job in the private sector. The other candidate was Eric Heideman of Framingham, who did not arrive for his interview.

Bevery said there was some discussion of going back into the pile of applicants; also a 12th application had arrived after the deadline.

"We talked about it and the committee wasn't interested. I'm chairman but I let it be their decision," she said. "But we agreed to remain available to the Selectmen and try again if they want."

LeFave, who quit her seat to apply, is a former Finance Committee member and served on the Selectmen for more than a decade. She also operates a children's day care. Tatro is currently manager of maintenance at Wyndham Bentley Brook resort in Hancock.

Bevery said the committee was interested in Tatro becuase "he's handling multiple people and operating with a very large budget."

Tags: search committee, town administrator,

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Your Comments

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Did anyone seriously think Ms. LeFave wasn't going to be a finalist for the job? Now the Board will go through the motions before hiring her...what a joke...
from: NotFoolingMe	on: 02-16-2012 10:53PM I Agree (61) - I Disagree (12)

Hmmm...so Lily didn't want to look through the applicants to choose another person other than her best friend (and you know it was her that objected)...surprised? Operates a daycare, that's qualification right there.
from:	on: 02-17-2012 05:18AM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: There are six people on the board.
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (4)

we all know the Debbie Lefave is going to get the joWb. She Mary Beverly bestfriend, so that tells it all. Why waste anybody else is time.
from: Towne	on: 02-17-2012 07:16AM I Agree (17) - I Disagree (0)

I agree with Notfoolingme. Out of 11 applicants only two were qualified enough for an interview, one being Ms. Lefave? What a scam.
from: me either	on: 02-17-2012 10:03AM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Four were to be interviewed; one didn't show that night and one withdrew. Is anybody actually reading the article?
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (1)

I'd be very interested to know what the other 11 applicants resumes looked like, and why they werent selected. I'd also encourage the selectmen to request that the search committee re-examine those applicants. In this economy, a very well qualified candidate should not be hard to find. Certainly we can do better, unless of course, they aren't looking for the best candidate and are merely interested in hiring their pal, as not fooling me has suggested. I'm inclined to agree..
from: Interested	on: 02-17-2012 10:24AM I Agree (29) - I Disagree (0)

Why shouldn’t Debora Lefave be a finalist for the Town Administrator’s position? Why should she be excluded? She’s lived in Clarksburg for over 30 years and has been a committed participant in town government for 20 years. She’s well-versed in every aspect of town government: policies, procedures, Bylaws, Zoning Laws, Mass. General Laws, Bidding Basics, and most importantly Municipal accounting and budgeting, as evidenced by the fact she worked for months, going over years of past receipts, to discover that funds had been misappropriated, thus saving the taxpayers money. She consistently strives to keep expenses in line without compromising services. Ms. Lefave genuinely cares about our town and she has earned my respect. That’s why I supported her as one of the candidates for Town Administrator. I personally find anonymous posting cowardly. It's easy to write disparaging comments from the sidelines, but if care about our town, why don't you avail yourself of the many opportunities to participate on committees and boards.
from: Paula Wells	on: 02-17-2012 11:59AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (29)

I do not disagree with Ms. Wells that Ms. Lefave maybe a candidate to look at, however this whole process became clouded when the committee was put together with people who appear to be in Ms. Lefave's corner. I wish as a taxpayer that this process was done in a more appropreiate manner by possiblly having a committee with person not leaning toward either side and not have an axe to grind. Maybe the Selectmen should open the committee selection process up again and start over.
from:	on: 02-17-2012 02:14PM I Agree (32) - I Disagree (3)

Michael Canales was interviewed and hired by the Board of Selectmen without input from any other representative from the town. This new search is contentious only because Ms. LeFave is a candidate. In an effort to appease those who objected, the Board of Selectmen elected to create a Selection Committee to include people who routinely interact with the Town Administrator. They chose a member of the Board of Selectman; the Senior Center representative Shirley Therrien; David Berger, the School Board Chairman; and the Finance Committee. Why so many on the Finance Committee? We are an advisory board who scrutinize the budget that the Town Administrator prepares under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen. We comment on and question all the budget proposals with the School Superintendent, the school representatives, the department heads, and the Town Administrator. Our recommendations along with the Selectmen’s recommendations go on to the Town Meeting for approval. That’s why we were asked to help chose the best candidate. We represent you in determining the tax rate based on what’s needed in the community… which begs the question… where are you? It’s your money! It’s your school, police department, town hall! Nothing is done behind closed doors. The Selectmen and the Finance Committee meetings are open to all… come to the meetings! Take an interest in town government. Give your time and expertise whatever that may be. Don’t just show up to undermine the Selectmen and others who work so hard on your behalf.
from: Paula Wells	on: 02-17-2012 04:40PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (15)

berger for three year selectmen term got my vote
from:	on: 02-17-2012 05:01PM I Agree (9) - I Disagree (4)

there weren't any conflict with hireing mike like there is now
from:	on: 02-17-2012 05:14PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (0)

i thought chairmen carl only wanted to recieve one canidate to the board, now there is goin to be a prolonged event between him and kuzia one for one and one for the other maybe they will do whats best for the town, and not friendships
from:	on: 02-17-2012 05:20PM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

I agree with Paula Wells regarding her comments about anonymous posting, it is cowardly. My issue with her comments, however, comes with the implication in her post that people don't take advantage of their opportunities to participate on committees and boards. It is my understanding that another 30+ year resident of Clarksburg (50 to be exact)in David Sherman, volunteered to be a part of search committee and agreed that although he would not be granted a vote, the Selectmen voted that he would have full participation. After his participation was voted in by the Selectmen, the board voted that he would not be allowed participation in the process. This raises two questions to me: First. How does the board have the power to outvote the Selectmen on a matter of townspeople "availing" themselves to their opportunities? Second. How can a Selectmen (Lily Kuzia) hold multiple positions in the process of voting? Doesn't that seem to be a conflict of interest? On a positive note, I commend Dave Berger on standing alone against some of these questionable procedures.
from: Mitch Maselli	on: 02-17-2012 07:31PM I Agree (22) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: The Selectmen, not the search committee, hire the town administrator so there is no conflict of interest. However, if Mr. Sherman was not allowed to attend and participate in the interviews (but not vote) that does not seem right.
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (2)

If you ever had any interest in run for selectmen this might be the year. If she gets the job you can run for selectmen and be her boss. 3 new selectmen in Clarksburg coming soon.
from:	on: 02-18-2012 01:43PM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

An alternate by definition is one who steps in when a member of the committee is unable to fulfill the obligation. An alternate on a jury panel is told to attend all the sessions, but is not allowed speak or participate unless one of the selected jury members is ill or a conflict of interest is discovered. The Selectmen initially agreed to five members. There was dissension when seven members were proposed. A compromised was reached when a motion to select six members passed. That’s when David asked to participate. It's really unfortunate that this event has turned so contentious.
from: Paula Wells	on: 02-18-2012 03:44PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (9)

I thought I'd at least get an interview. I have all the requirements asked and then some. B.A. & B.S. 3 yrs operations director for a Men's Professional Tennis tournament. 3+ yrs general manger of a restaurant. And over 15yrs in construction. Go figure a person who ran a day care was more qualified then me. She does have more experience in changing diapers.
from: BMM	on: 02-19-2012 11:22AM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: And you are?
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

It is my understanding that since Mr. Sherman was the alternate and could not vote he decided not to attend the interview session.
from:	on: 02-19-2012 04:52PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (10)

I am someone who applied for the position.
from: BMM	on: 02-19-2012 06:27PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Rumor has it that Ms. Lefave has already told her clients to find other daycare. The fix was in from day one. I would love to hear what the state ethics committee would say on this one.
from: BMM	on: 02-19-2012 06:32PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (0)

I know Dave, he's a great guy and I hope that he gets the position.
from: R	on: 02-20-2012 08:08PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (9)

The town should pick the most qualified person for the position and not pick a person a person for the job because of frendship. If a person is qualified for the position then thay should get the job. But if a person is not qualified for the job then stop and look for a better person that is qualified. The people of Clarksburg Massachussetts is what counts and not the person getting the job. Look at the applicantes Dave Tatro who grauated in 1980 at McCann Tech. What are his qualification. What is his experiance as town adminastrator ??? Think about the people of CLARKSBURG ..
from: ETJ	on: 02-22-2012 05:08PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (0)

Clarksburg School Committee Considers Lowering Paid Time Off Payout Threshold

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
06:27AM / Wednesday, October 07, 2026

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The School Committee will review its paid time off payout policy and potentially lower the minimum service requirement for employees to collect a payout upon leaving.

The conversation began at an Oct. 1 meeting, where the committee requested that a recently retired employee receive his full payout even though he served 16 years rather than meeting the current 20-year threshold.

"I think 20 years is a lot for people," School Committee member Cindy Brule said. "I think we need a number that is more realistic."

Assistant Superintendent Tara Barnes noted that this is another instance where Clarksburg's municipal policy differs from the school's. Most municipal employees in Clarksburg can collect a payout after 10 years of service.

The employee in question was Mike Peters, a recently retired custodian who sought to cash in on 87 sick days and three personal days.

"If he had taken those days over the 16 years, it would have caused disruption," School Committee member Dan Haskins said after supporting the payout.

In Principal Kimberly Rougeau's report, she shared that the school year has started smoothly and that staff have completed several professional development sessions.

Rougeau added that the school is essentially fully staffed. She welcomed new physical education teacher Heather Gray as well as Pat Wood, the new Special Education and 504 Coordinator. She noted that Gray is also a speech-language pathologist who can assist with the school's caseload, adding that both hires have "hit the ground running."

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