5 May, 2022
Be respectful of career development journeys.
“I cannot remember anyone blaming the Select Board in 2009 when our last town manager left, because it didn’t happen.” – quoted from Beth Malloy, this is a very valid point.
When people reach retirement, celebrate their contributions and wish them well.
When someone takes a career advancement or transition, even outside our beloved community, celebrate their contributions and wish them well.
Retention is important, more often than not people do not take a position for life but as part of their career. How does the town prepare for inevitable transition, career growth & development, opportunities and transitions? > These responsibilities fall under the Human Resources Department and Personnel Committee, not micromanaged by a Select Board who along with the town manager are part of the governance and collaborative process.
Before the pandemic, for 5- or 6-years town hall saw huge turnovers, so did the school system, fire and police department and never did I see the Selectman at the time blamed for folks retiring, choosing a different career path and advancements to their own journey. Whether it was a fire chief, police chief, town clerk, town treasurer, family services director, admin/support staff, superintendents, principals and vice principals. There was high turnover and internal unrest but never heard any fault the Selectman at that time. It seems as an example; when someone like Josh Hanna who was raised here, served as one of our high school vice principals was able to advance to principal of the Franklin high school, we are proud, congratulate and wish them well. Our own Town Clerk, Connor Degan is currently running for State Rep., if elected this would expand his career in public service, Hopkinton should be proud.
This should be true if our town manager is given the opportunity to advance his career and journey, yes, all these changes are felt as loss, but change is inevitable.
Darlene Hayes
1 Third Road
**This article was written by a group or person in the Hopkinton Community and does not reflect the views of HCAM or any of their Board Members or Employees.**
