David Turocy from Newton accepted the position.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city may finally appoint a director of public services.

 

David Turocy will fill the job created in 2011 but never filled. The city changed the structure of the department to include a commissioner to oversee utilities and another to oversee public services. Bruce Collingwood has been overseeing both and will now be the commissioner of public utilities.

 

Turocy's appointment will go to the City Council on Sept. 8 and he is expected to start on Sept. 14. He'll oversee all highway operations and personnel.

 

"He comes with a wealth of experience," Mayor Daniel Bianchi said.

 

The mayor said he was chosen after the job had been posted numerous times with little interest or qualified candidates. In the latest attempt to fill the position, Turocy was selected after two interviews — one with a search committee and then one with Bianchi, Downtown Pittsfield Inc. representatives, and City Council Vice President Christopher Connell.

 

Turocy comes from Newton after 11 years. He was appointed commissioner of public works there in 2011.

 

However, earlier this year, he was inexplicably fired and replaced. Newton Mayor Setti Warren wrote a letter on June 23 to the Newton Board of Aldermen there announcing that effective immediately Turocy was no longer the commissioner. In the same letter, he announced the appointment of an interim and Turocy's successor, who started on July 21. 

 

Previous to his work in Newton, Turocy worked eight years as the highway and ground superintendent in Concord. Prior to that he spent seven years in Lexington was the highway and drains superintendent.

 

"My past experiences have given me the opportunity to demonstrate my personal strengths as well as exhibit my dedication to improving the quality of life for the residents where I work," Turocy wrote in his cover letter. "I have the ability, desire, and drive to excel as Pittsfield's commissioner."

 

His education includes a bachelor's of science from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's in public administration from Western New England College.