photo by Mike Lynch
In the end the Milton Board of Selectmen found the new town administrator in town hall. Annmarie Fagan, who has been the interim town administrator for the past 8 months, was unanimously elected by the Board of Selectmen to become the official town administrator. In discussing the appointment each of the board members revealed that they had independently selected her as their first choiceamong the final three candidates. Apparently, Mr. Caron had withdrawn his name at some point. The selectmen gave a variety of reasons for why Ms. Fagan was their first choice.
Mr. Keohane stated that Ms. Fagan was someone who “is creative and can think outside the box . . . she is a joy to be around.” He noted that she had been doing the job of two for the last several months. He believes that with the appointment the town will see a new side of Ms. Fagan and that with the appointment made official she will flourish.
Member Sweeney said Ms. Fagan was “easily my first pick. {She has] 20 years experience in the town.” He cited her qualities of being “open, honest, [and having] common sense.” He spoke with people who had known here in years gone by and believes “she remains the same person she has always been” and correctly described herself “a person of integrity.”
Chairman Hurley echoed what the other two members said. Ms. Fagan has “vision and great insight into the town. . .she has great ideas she hasn’t has a chance to implement.” Hurley did say he wants Ms. Fagan to attend a municipal government program that grants a certificate. Keohane said she should finish her degree. She has a semester remaining.
The selectmen also noted her successfully negotiating with 7 unions and Mr. Sweeney pointed out the work she had done on working with unions on health costs. The selectmen seemed relieved that they had independently come to the same first choice. Ms. Fagan who had excused herself from the room during the discussion was called back in. She thanked the selectmen and said “I am so honored. It’s wonderful and I really look forward to it.” She will open her search for an assistant town administrator Monday.
The selectmen had also independently come to the same choice of Grady Miller of Naragansett as their second choice. But Milton rarely reaches outside its boundaries for positions like this and the selectmen clearly felt Ms. Fagan’s familiarity with the town, communications skills, and ability to think creatively were the best fit for what the town needs right now.