Clarksburg Chairman Applies For Administrator's Job

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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Debra Lefave, center, spent 11 years on the Board of Selectmen and seven on the Finance Committee.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Debra Lefave, longtime Selectmen chairman, has resigned her seat to apply for the town administrator's post.

Lefave confirmed on Thursday that she had submitted a letter of resignation effective Jan. 12, the same day it was announced that Town Administrator Michael Canales would be leaving for a job at North Adams City Hall.

The four-term selectman said it was a hard decision to make but she had been "encouraged by many people to apply."

"I've been on the Finance Committee for seven years and on the Selectmen for 11 years," said Lefave, who has a year to go on her latest three-year term. "I feel that I can do it, my heart is in the town."

The town's job posting calls for a candidate with "leadership experience, sound judgment, strong budgeting skills and a passion for public service." The administrator oversees all town departments and employees appointed by the Selectmen, budgeting and fiscal planning, day-to-day operations, procurement and other duties. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in public administration or similar field or at least three years relevant experience.

Lefave said she's worked closely with town administrators, particularly with Canales in her role as chairman of the board, and has a depth of experience with the town that other candidates would lack.

"They can't hit the ground the running like I will," said Lefave, who admitted there were elements of the post she would have learn. "I'm sure I'll be up against some good candidates, but the town knows that when I'm making a decision [as administrator], I'll be making it as a resident and a taxpayer."

The deadline for applications for the administrator's post is Feb. 5, but applications will be accepted until the post is filled. The town hopes to have a new administrator by March 5, when Canales is scheduled to leave.

The job posting:

 
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR TOWN OF CLARKSBURG The Town of Clarksburg, a Northern Berkshire Community, (population 1,800), seeks qualified candidates for the position of Town Administrator. The ideal candidate should possess leadership experience, sound judgment, strong budgeting skills and a passion for public service. The position reports to a three-member Board of Selectpersons. Major duties include; overseeing town departments and all town employees appointed by the Board of Selectpersons; personnel administration; grant administration; budget preparation and general management of fiscal operation s within the town; development of short and long range fiscal plans; chief procurement officer; administering all insurance contract for the town; principal interface with town counsel. Candidate must have strong written and oral skills; organizational and analytical skills are essential. Minimum qualifications include BA/BS in Public Administration or related field and/or at least three years relevant experience in a senior level supervisory/ managerial roll. Salary is dependent on qualifications. Send resume and cover letter with three references to: Board of Selectpersons, 111 River Road, Clarksburg, MA 01247 Attention: Debbie. Submittal by February 5, 2012 are appreciated but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Residency not required. AA/EOE.

Tags: administrator,   Selectmen,   

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North Adams Wins to Even La Festa Series

iBerkshires.com Sports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- Jayden Demotropolis went 2-for-4 Sunday morning to lead the North Adams La Festa team to an 11-5 win over the North End Dodgers at Joe Wolfe Field.
 
The win evened the 33rd edition of the La Festa Baseball Exchange at one win apiece with two games left to play in Boston on the weekend of Aug. 10 and 11.
 
The Bostonians won this year's series opener on Saturday night.
 
Jack Marlowe came off the bench to double and scored a pair of runs in Sunday's win.
 
Andrew Meany went 1-for-1 with an RBI.
 
He also earned the win in relief with four innings of work on the mound. Meany struck out two and allowed two runs after taking the ball from Hayden Barrett, who struck out five and allowed one earned run in three innings of work.
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