And Away We Go ....

The problem of working on several drafts is if you don't get to finishing them, time can make them obsolete.  Well, the hours of time I spent Saturday at Town Hall did just that for several drafts.

Anyway ...

Assertions of others to the contrary, and admittedly based solely on the time I did spend at Town Hall, I have to say that after the interviews there are two choices available from the three finalist for the candidates for the TA position. 

I am going to refer to the article in the "Wicked Local Plainville" from late June concerning the third finalist. With the seasoning mentioned in that article, #3 will most probably make a good TA somewhere, but from my observation it shouldn't be here.

Which begs the question of just what was out there if this was one of the three best.

Again please note: someday, somewhere. You can see the potential for that. But right now, sorry, not given the stringent arguments bandied about for what was needed. The experience levels are clearly much different.  The polish factor clearly different.  The comfort level obvious.

Hey, I get it.  I don't have all the info, data, and was not present during the interview for the selection committee. But having only to go on what I have, based on one Saturday in December, the difficult choice is between two, not three. It was that clear.

Mr. McCue and Mr. Rees both clearly had the stronger interviews. Both clearly have the stronger resumes. Truth be told, if you can't get one or the other, and if you settle for the third, well ... experience is not a double edged sword as the third candidate stated, not from what we were told, not from what some have advocated, not in a community with the social and political complexity of this town. 

It will be extremely interesting to see where the selectboard goes with this selection and the reasoning.

An area where Rees "outshined" McCue on the interview process is that he clearly did some homework about Fairhaven.  The lack of knowledge relative to some issues was a bit perplexing.

The bigger city experience could also be a plus given the big city problems that our small town faces (and we do, due to location and Rt.6 urban sprawl).

He also asked some pointed questions when given the opportunity (something that the third candidate also did to his credit, and the lack of the same was a bit surprising from Mr. MCue).  

In what will be the culture shock for many, his salary statement might open an eye or two. Truth be told it shouldn't.  First his experience would warrant seeking the high end of what was put out as the range by the town.  Secondly, if you start with a low request, you are going to end up with an even lower salary.  

I have heard in the past and I am sure we will all hear it in the future we shouldn't pay any more than what we are presently paying.  The confidence of previous salary "quotes" for the TA position bandied about was always, shall we say a bit optimistic.

Anyway, it may very well be we don't have to worry because I can also foresee input and snipping about paying the TA more than the outgoing Exec. Sec.  More the pity for the Town if that becomes a deciding factor.

Point blank: When you put out a profile with a salary range, and your preferred candidate will cost you more than your second choice, if your deciding factor is going to be save a few bucks and go with your second choice, you have no business making the decision.  It is one thing to go outside your range, it is another thing to make a choice based on a  nickle or dime within the range.

Just a point, i.e. if you didn't want to pay that much, you should not have listed it.  

Of course, money may be the problem no matter who of the two.  

Anyway ... 

McCue's certainly was the smoothest presentation. Part of the politician in him.  Content goes to Rees.  Again though the difference will come down to individual preferences. Sure I have my preference based on what I heard and observed. I tend to lean toward the guy who has some experience swimming in the bigger ocean in the capacity of appointed management.

Swimming with sharks is the type of experience that just may very well make the difference between success and failure. Granted McCue has some experience in the political realm having been a selectman in Mansfield. The swimmers differences in elected office and paid appointed office are more than just subtle though.

I do want to make it clear, if the pick is either McCue or Rees, I wouldn't personally lose any sleep over it.    Especially since if the pick works out, it is all good.  If it doesn't, well just such great cannon fodder from the pundit point of view.

Being a bit more serious though, based on the presentations of themselves, either pick could be warranted.

What I enjoyed hearing from both Rees and McCue is "Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus". Sorry, perhaps not a verbatim quote. But it was nice to hear that there is something that can be done to work to attract business to town to deal with the vacant developments. Something besides ... never mind ... that would lead to a huge rant.

It was nice though to hear there is a way to try and reverse the trend and that economic development is something they have dealt with to varying degrees.

Refreshing to see a reply other than not my job or can't be done.

Also refreshing to hear a belief, by all three, that open and prompt information to the public is a stated policy.  

The other concept, accountability.  The biggest culture shock to come to town isn't going to be experienced by the citizens, well not all of them.  A few may find that their favored nation status will change.  It will be experienced by the employees, a few who will also find that status lost.

The rank and file will not necessarily experience much of it.  But the mid-level and upper management will, or should. Micro management is leaving the building. That is a very, very good thing. But management is going to be expected to manage.  Effectively, efficiently (hopefully) and for the most part on its own.  On its own in the sense you are hired to do a job, so do it.

The pundit cannot wait to hear the laments from some who could not wait for this change to take effect, once it starts affecting them.

Anyway ... I digress.

By Tuesday, we should know who the picked TA is.  I can foresee absolutely no reason why it should not happen on Tuesday.

One certainty in all of this. Change is coming.

Until next time.