Letter To The Editor: Keep The Present Town Manager

Letter to the editor from Kenneth and Susanne Clarkin:

Letter to the Editor,

Let us be clear from the start of this letter- our only motivation in writing this, is to support the building of a new Senior Center.

To that point, we would like to see a continuity in Leadership for the next few years in Wilmington. Although we are sure there is more to the story than what appears on the surface, we would ask, that for the sake of our Senior Citizen population, that the Board of Selectmen continue to move forward with the present Town Manager. Replacing him in the middle of three major feasibility studies, if one counts the Wildwood School, would seem to be a huge stumbling block to completion of the architectural plans in a timely fashion. Certainly, a change in leadership would necessitate a transition period and possibly derail the progress we have made to date. Whether we agree or disagree with the Town Manager, with 34 years in Wilmington, he has certainly put in the time and effort and kept our town in a position where we can contemplate these improvements.

A proposed “National Search” would take at least 6 months. We would not want to see a hasty decision, after all, and given that the Town Manager contract is “up” at the end of September, we would be facing a void at a time when we can least afford it.

As for the Senior Center, Covid-19 has only underscored the need for a gathering place for “wellness”. There was insufficient room for all the programs before; Imagine what it will be like with Social Distancing. The current building has seen better years. Please consider that this is not the time to replace the present Town Manager, as the Seniors in town look forward to a brighter future with a new Wilmington Senior Center!

Sincerely,

Kenneth and Susanne Clarkin

This letter was produced by Kenneth and Susanne Clarkin. The views expressed are the authors' own.

See also: Wilmington Selectman Gary DePalma Wants Open Town Manager Search