Adams Officials Envision The Ideal Town Administrator
ADAMS, Mass. — Wanted: an honest, upfront administrator willing to embrace the community of Adams, a people person also has a good handle on management and finances and a willingness to collaborate.
Those were a few of the traits the Board of Selectmen is looking for as the Town Administrator Screening Committee begins to sift through incoming applications for the post.
The screening committee held a joint session with the Selectmen on Wednesday to discuss the process going forward and what they would like to see in a candidate.
Chairman John Duval said he wants to see someone who can embrace change in the town.
"It is a great community I have lived here my entire life. We are proud people, but sometimes change is difficult," he said. "Someone who can embrace change and new ideas that can bring business to this community. We want families to move to Adams."
He added that he would value a good listener who is willing to join state organizations to give Adams a voice beyond the town.
Duval said it would be important to him to hire someone with a positive attitude.
"I want someone who can bring positive energy to the community," he said. "If we have good leadership that can show the people that things are being accomplished ... then they are going to get behind you."
Selectwoman Christine Hoyt said she would prefer a person with administrative experience and it would be a plus if they were familiar with the region.
"I am looking for someone who has experience with supervision and personnel issues and kind of keeping up morale," she said.
She added that she would like to see someone who can demonstrate a strong fiscal responsibility and understanding who can face the financial challenges in Adams.
Hoyt added she would prefer someone with a strong understanding of economic development who not only wants to bring in business but who can work toward retaining businesses already in Adams.
She concluded that she would like to see someone who can demonstrate the will to collaborate with surrounding communities.
"I think now more than ever we should be looking at working with our neighbors," she said. "If they can show those incentives I think that it would be a benefit to our community."
Duval suggested that if possible, the committee should visit the community or workplace of the top applicants and ask residents, business owners or co-workers about them.
"I would like to visit these communities and talk to these people. Stop by coffee shops or talk to some employees," he said. "Anything that represents their atmosphere, so we can get that feel on the ground ... people are honest when you ask them."
Selectman Joseph Nowak said he was hesitant to provide input because he wanted to leave the process up to the committee.
"I have the utmost confidence in this committee ... and I want to leave it up to this committee, but it is really hard to gauge a person by the way they give their answers," he said. "It is hard to look inside of people but I would be looking for honesty and integrity that is my charge for you."
Selectman Richard Blanchard said he would like to see transparency in a candidate.
"I want to have someone who is open and upfront who doesn't keep everything close to the chest," he said. "I'd like to see a people person someone that can get along with everybody."
The selectman asked the screening committee to provide them with three to five final applicants.
"I think you told us what you are looking for and I think this is good," screening committee member George Haddad said.
Interim Town Administrator Donna Cesan said applications have already come in and Hoyt said although they are a little behind schedule, they hope to have someone in the position by July 1.
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