Three finalists vying for the position of Tisbury town administrator pitched their qualifications before the board of selectmen Saturday during public interviews held at the Vineyard Haven Library.
The finalists, Peter Graczykowski, Sally Rizzo and John W. Grande, were chosen from a field of 38 applicants in January. The position of Tisbury town administrator has been left vacant since John Bugbee stepped down in October after nine years on the job.
Peter Graczykowski, city manager in East Providence, R.I.
Peter Graczykowski, city manager in East Providence, R.I.
"I'm looking for a stable environment where I can hang my hat for a while," said Mr. Graczykowski, who has served as city manager in East Providence, R.I. since September 2011. The city of nearly 50,000 residents has been on shaky ground in recent years, prompting a state-appointed budget commission to take control of city finances.
Mr. Graczykowski touted his accounting background in the interview, noting that he helped East Providence to overcome a multi-million deficit and end the fiscal year with a surplus.
A common theme throughout the proceedings, selectmen asked Mr. Graczykowski if he would move to the Island year round if offered the position. The previous town administrator, Mr. Bugbee, drew criticism for splitting his time between Fall River, Sandwich and Vineyard Haven.
"I know Tisbury very well; this is a place I'd choose to live," said Mr. Graczykowski. "I don't know if there's any other way you can do it, frankly."
"It's been tried," selectman Jonathan Snyder quipped.
Fellow candidate Ms. Rizzo also expressed her dedication to Martha's Vineyard. A longtime seasonal resident of the Island and current full-time resident of Newton, she said the opportunity to contribute to the Vineyard prompted her to apply for the town administrator post.
"I'm not applying for other positions. I was attracted to this job because it's on the Vineyard and in Tisbury," she said. "I saw this as an opportunity to really make a contribution to the Island."
Ms. Rizzo has worked for the state retirement board for the past four years. Prior to that she served as statewide director for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and as director of operations for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, where she said she gained experience in grant writing and procurement strategies. An eight-year tenure on the Newton school committee gave her experience with town budgets, school capital projects and union negotiations, she said.
John W. Grande, planning board director for the city of Framingham.
John W. Grande, planning board director for the city of Framingham.
Final candidate Mr. Grande emphasized his experience managing a small staff and a multi-million dollar budget, as well as his knowledge of wastewater issues, solar projects and storm water management strategies. Mr. Grande has served as planning board director for the city of Framingham, an elected position, for the past 15 years. Prior to that, he worked in municipal government for the towns of Gloucester, Wareham and Harwich.
He said he would use the veteran town hall staff to his advantage.
"I would want to spend the first several months introducing who I am to the community as well as the people I work with from day-to-day basis," he said. "I would depend on [the staff] for their guidance in many areas of government."
Following the interviews, the selectmen took a straw poll ranking the candidates. Mr. Grande received two votes and Mr. Graczykowski received one.
The selectmen said they will continue to deliberate at their weekly meeting on Tuesday.
"It's tough," said selectman chairman Tristan Israel. "They are all wonderful."
Comments
With all do respect to our
FishermanJohnWith all due respect to our BOS, why would be pay someone to teach them how to step up and run our town? Yes, all three candidates have excellent resumes but only one has day to day experience at the top. Tisbury shouldn't be a training ground for TA's it should be the place someone wants to spend their career. There is clearly only one choice. The straw vote certainly made it very suspicious that the fix was already in for Mr. Grande. In my humble opinion, working for an administration is not the same as running the administration. One candidate, Graczykowski, has been at the top position and that's who we should be picking. As I stated, the other pick would be highly suspect.
In a good town with good
ShessofitIn a good town with good people already on board, you go with whomever has the most municipal experience as possible, not the position they are coming from. Most administrators lack planning experience, and that is what is most important on the Vineyard. Anyone can do the municipal math and sit in the chair, but only one of the candidates has the experience to sit in the chair and keep us going in the right direction, and prepare us for things coming down the road that will challenge the town. That is an experienced leader, not an accountant.
Sally Rizzo not unless you
VeryAnnoyed TisburySally Rizzo not unless you consider working for the town leading the blind then maybe yes for her. Peter or Jay is the decision, well two BOS like Jay and one likes Peter. I would go for Peter because we need a firm hand in town. Jay has experience that is beneficial to the town, it would be good to have professional town planner instead the planning board.
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