Posted by Ed
on December 19, 2007, 5:50 pm
24.34.144.49
Longo among 4 finalists for Marshfield job
By Jennifer Amy Myers, jmyers@lowellsun.com
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2007 11:30:58 AM EST
Rocco Longo ... commutes from Duxbury BILLERICA -- Town Manager Rocco Longo is a finalist for the town-administrator position in Marshfield.
Longo, 55, lives in neighboring Duxbury, and served as town manager there before coming to Billerica in 2005. He is among four candidates recommended to Marshfield selectmen by the town administrator search committee on Monday night.
The other finalists are Norwell Town Administrator James Boudreau, Kingston Town Administrator Kevin Donovan and Winsted, Conn., Town Manager Owen Quinn.
"It is the difference between a three-hour daily commute and a six-minute commute," said Longo. "It's not like I'm applying for every job out there. This one came up and my family and I spoke about it and decided to apply."
Billerica selectmen were expected to begin negotiations with Longo for a new contract in January. His current deal ends in June.
Selectmen Chairman Michael Rosa said that, on Longo's recommendation, all contract talks will be suspended until the Marshfield issue is resolved.
"I don't have the job yet," cautioned Longo. "I will still be the first one in Town Hall in the morning and the last one to leave. That will not change."
In a letter to selectmen, Longo said he applied for the Marshfield position because he wants to spend more time with his family.
"Based on the hard time he was getting from certain members of the board, I wasn't overly surprised to hear he was looking elsewhere," said Rosa. "Since (Selectman) Bob Correnti got elected, it has been especially difficult for him."
"Obviously, Mr. Rosa is reading something in that letter that I don't see," said Correnti.
Rosa added that he would be disappointed to see Longo leave.
"Rocco is a good guy and a good town manager," Rosa said. "Everybody compared him to (former Town Manager) Richard Montuori and that is not fair. Everyone should be evaluated on their own strengths and weaknesses. He has done a good job and continues to do a good job. He hasn't left yet."
The job, replacing Marshfield Town Administrator John Clifford, who resigned in August, offers a salary ranging from $120,000 to $135,000. Longo earns a base salary of $130,000 in Billerica.
Marshfield selectmen are expected to discuss an interview schedule during the first week of January.
In related news, Assistant Town Manager John Sanguinet has resigned to take a position in Wareham as assistant to the Board of Selectmen and town manager.
Sanguinet lives in Plymouth and was looking for a position closer to home.
"John has been an outstanding, great assistant and has been a pleasure to work with," said Longo.
Longo said he expects to advertise to fill the position soon. Prior to Sanguinet's hiring in April 2006, the position was vacant for nearly three years.
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