Lenox Selects Jay Green as Town Manager
LENOX, Mass. — The selectmen unanimously voted to offer the town manager job to Adams Town Administrator Jay Green.
The vote came after a short meeting held on Oct. 11 where the select board supported chairman Neal Maxymillian's recommendation to appoint Green over another finalist Nicholas Caccamo, former Pittsfield City Councilor and Williamsburg town administrator.
"He [Green] knows where we are and moving into this position is not going to be a huge issue," Selectman Dave Roche said. "This is a similar-sized town with many of the same issues, and I think it will be an easy transition. Given the choice I would rather go with experience."
A third finalist Maryanne Crawford, a former Rhode Island town administrator, withdrew her name from consideration as she took another job.
Roche added that he was impressed with Green's knowledge of the town, adding that Green said he watched a year's worth of selectmen's meetings in preparation for the finalist interviews.
Selectman Ed Lane agreed noting the move from Adams to Lenox is "lateral" and Green is equipped to deal with challenges the town will face.
"I think it is a good move for him and a good move for us," he said.
Selectman Max Scherff was not completely sold on Green and said he was "on the fence." Scherff said, based on the interview, that he was not sure Green was totally up for the challenge.
"I heard twice in the interview that Jay was tired and burnt out and that is a concern for me," he said. "There is still a lot for Lenox to do…and I was concerned he had the perception that he would come in and this would be an easy job."
Selectwoman Marybeth Mitts had similar concerns noting that Green said he "hated the budget process"
"It was an offhand comment…but the budget is like 25 percent of this job," she said. "He will need to work with department heads and find budget priorities…and that comment just concerned me. But clearly he has a lot of great experience."
Scherff added that he was concerned about how long Green would hold the position as he looks towards retirement. Mitts agreed and felt Caccamo would have a longer career in Lenox.
"I thought it was refreshing that Nick said he is really wonky, and he really digs doing the job of a town manager. That really resonated with me because I too like the geekiness of town meeting and stuff like that," she said. "I see him as someone who will be with us for a long time."
Lane agreed that Caccamo was refreshing but felt, at the moment, Lenox needs experience.
"I like him. I was impressed by him. But I think it comes down to experience and what is best for the town of Lenox. Not to nurture someone along…we have to take care of business.
Maxymillian offered to open up the discussion further, but both Mitts and Scherff supported offering the position to Green.
If he accepts the job, Green will fill the seat left by former Town Manager Christopher Ketchen. Ketchen stepped down in June after 10 years of leading the town
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