BOS chair, Rec director announce plans to step down

In a span of just four days, town officials learned of the surprise impending departures of two top municipal leaders: Selectmen Chairman Bob Burr and Parks and Recreation Director Janet Maguire.

On Friday, January 6, Maguire tendered her resignation effective January 20 after accepting an offer to become the assistant head softball coach at Cornell University. Burr announced his decision not to seek re-election at the end of Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting. Burr has been a selectman for the past 13 years, including several stints as chair.

Burr did not give a reason for his decision not to run again. “I am proud of the many accomplishments of this board,” he said. “In every single instance it has been a team effort in the best interests of Canton. I am also grateful for my time of service with former selectmen Sal Salvatori, Avril Elkort, and former Town Administrator Bill Friel. I am pleased the town finds itself today in perhaps the best financial shape in its history.”

He said between now and the April 4 town election, he will continue to work with fellow selectmen to ensure that the business of the town is carried out “with compassion and direction.” He said he is confident that there are a number of qualified residents who are capable and willing to serve as a selectman.

Burr’s is one of two selectmen’s seats that expire this year. The other is occupied by Victor Del Vecchio, who confirmed that he is running again for reelection. All of the selectmen said Tuesday following Burr’s announcement that they will miss his expertise and knowledge and praised his leadership.

Maguire, a Canton resident, said she loves softball and her career goal has been to serve as a college coach. She said after careful consideration, she decided that she may not get another opportunity like this and decided to pursue it. Prior to her appointment as recreation director, she served as the head of the Canton Women’s Softball League.

In a letter to Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall, Maguire said the Canton Parks and Recreation Department is “poised and ready to continue to move forward.” She remains available to help recruit her replacement.

All of the selectmen praised Maguire’s leadership and management skills and acknowledged that she came in under difficult circumstances nearly five years ago, taking over a department with significant financial problems and revitalizing it with new financial controls and new programs for all ages.

Aspinwall said he will work with the Parks and Recreation Department to come up with an interim management plan and initiate …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 13 2017. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.