To The Editor:

I respectfully have to disagree with my friend and fellow former First Selectman Jeff Capeci’s letter in last week’s Bee opposing the creation of an Operations Manager. I am very strongly in favor of adding the position, as are two of my fellow former First Selectmen, Pat Llodra and Dan Rosenthal. The three of us served for a combined 24 years as Newtown First Selectmen. The position was also strongly recommended about 3 years ago by the ad hoc study committee that was chaired by then Selectman Maureen Crick Owen with former Selectman Bill Brimmer and Former First Selectman Pat Llodra as members.

Although I believe a better title would be town administrator, which is what Wilton and other CT towns that have one call it and what Ridgefield is considering doing, adding the position of an additional staff person called an Operations Manager is clearly something that a First Selectman with the approval of a majority of the Board of Selectmen can and should be able to do. The position will serve specific functions to be determined by the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen, which for example could be to provide project leadership and to supervise the department heads to make sure that the First Selectman’s and Board of Selectmen’s policies are being properly implemented and carried out successfully. It does not represent a change to our government, as the First Selectman remains the town’s chief executive officer and the new position will report to the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen. Adding this position is similar to previously adding the purchasing agent and facilities manager.

Although a First Selectman will supervise the new staff person, they will have more time to develop policies, more time for planning for the town’s future, more time for interacting with the State and Federal Governments for the benefit of Newtown, as well as more time for more interaction with their constituents, the taxpayers and voters.

The posting of the position should attract candidates with managerial and governmental experience. If the position continues from administration to administration, it should also provide for better continuity and more effective management.

Voter’s will have an opportunity to weigh in on the cost of the position at Board of Finance and Legislative Council public hearings and meetings.

Unlike the creation of a Town Manager position which would replace the position of First Selectman as the chief executive officer and therefore require a Charter Revision, this position is merely administrative in nature and does not require a Charter Revision.

Herb Rosenthal

Newtown