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"Tony" Troiano Makes Hopkinton Town Manager cut Burlington Assistant Town Administrator selected for new position
by Robert Falcione
Anthony J. Troiano, currently the Assistant Town Administrator for Burlington, Mass, will be invited to enter contract negotiations for the Charter-created position of Hopkinton's first Town Manager, after a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen this evening. But the vote wasn't arrived at without controversy. (Photo from Town of Burlington website.) During this evening's discussions, Selectman Vice-chair Mary Pratt argued for Ted Kozak to be placed as one of the finalists, something the others said they would not agree to because it violated the protocol of the Charter and the process that the Town Manager Search Committee followed. Mr. Kozak is the Executive Secretary to the Board of Selectmen. "He's been a faithful servant to the Town," said Mrs. Pratt.
"I think that Ted has served us right — has done what he's been
told to do. I don't think that all of the candidates put Mr. Troiano also has, according to his resume, "Seventeen years experience in the public sector senior level administrative management." Despite Mrs. Pratt's argument for Mr. Kozak, she failed to make a motion to that effect, something that Mr. Kozak's two other supporters, Selectmen Len Holden and Ron Clark, were unable to do, having already been on the losing end of a similar motion at a previous meeting. "I can't say anything bad about Ted, but I can't get past the process," said Selectman Mike Shepard. "When members of the town voted for the Charter, keeping the same people wasn't what they expected." Mr. Kozak was not chosen as one of the four finalists by the Search Committee. However, the Selectmen mulled ways that Mr. Kozak could possibly assist in the transition, and even discussed an interim position. In any case, Mr. Kozak will receive 12 month's pay after his contract runs out at the end of June, 2007. "The process was set by the charter, and we can't jump start the process because we all love Ted," Mr. Shepard said.
"I can't even imagine — at the lawsuit center of America — can you imagine if we passed over any of them?" asked Mr. Shepard, with an apparent reference to the number of known lawsuits against the town. "When he was in Barnstable, this is a guy who is striving forward — he really looks at this opportunity in Hopkinton as a great opportunity," said Selectmen Chair Muriel Kramer. "You're looking for a guy who can be a good fit. All four have that capability, but Mr. Troiano comes to the top for me," she said. Mrs. Kramer asked her fellow Selectmen to articulate Mr. Troiano's qualities. Mr. Shepard said, "He's a hard worker, dedicated, goal oriented. His goal is to be a Town manager. I maintain he would do a good job. He's an entrepreneur, has a family, is affable, and well-educated." Mr. Clark said, "He would be a strong leader. He'd be tough. You have to be. He seems like a frank guy — takes action. Down to earth guy. "He's gregarious, has good verbal skills — he did his homework on Hopkinton," Mr. Clark said. Selectman Len Holden said, "He's affable. He wants to grow. There's no guarantees. Look at Framingham and Ashland." "You're looking at a guy to do his job well," said Mrs. Kramer. "I like him. Hard-working, goal-oriented — a people person. "We need someone who can work with the people who will feel [uneasy] with the transition. "He was candid," Mrs. Kramer said. "This gentleman [Mr. Troiano] is a good candidate, not only in our pool, but the best candidate," said Mrs. Kramer. Mr. Shepard made a motion to begin negotiations with Mr. Troiano, whom a couple of Selectmen referred to as "Tony" during this evening's discussion. Mr. Clark seconded the motion. Mrs. Pratt wanted discussion. Mr. Shepard reminded Mrs. Pratt that at a previous meeting the Board had decided to vote unanimously when the time came. "I feel it's important that this guy knows the entire Board is behind him," said Mr. Shepard. The Board then voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Mr. Troiano. |
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November
6, 2006 — The Town of Hopkinton hit a three-run homer today, as
the 20+ acre Whitehall property passed papers and into the hands
of the town, the Conservation Commission approved the Notice of
Intent for the town's H2 drinking water well on the Fruit Street
property, and the Selectmen unanimously agreed on their
selection for Town Manager.
together have al that longevity," Mrs. Pratt said of Mr. Kozak,
who has served the town for 17 years. 
From the beginning of the meetings with the Town Manager Search
Committee, the Selectmen were cautioned by them to treat each
candidate exactly the same, even asking each one the same
questions, so as to avoid even the appearances of
discrimination. FULL STORY