AMHERST — Maria Capriola, chosen by the Select Board to be Amherst’s next town manager, began informal negotiations on her initial contract during a visit to town Monday.
Select Board Chairwoman Alisa Brewer said Monday evening that fellow board members Andrew Steinberg and Douglas Slaughter, along with Peter Hechenbleikner, interim town manager, and Deborah Radway, human resources director, met with Capriola earlier in the day, but that no decision had yet been made on terms of a contract.
The board on Thursday voted 3-2 in favor of hiring Capriola, the assistant town manager in Mansfield, Connecticut, over Paul Bockelman, director of finance and administration for the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Steinberg and Constance Kruger both voted for Bockelman during an initial vote, but changed their votes to make the official record tally unanimous for Capriola.
Capriola sent an email to the Gazette saying that she appreciates the chance to succeed the late John Musante, who died in September, in the role of town manager.
“I’m honored that the Select Board has endorsed me to serve as Amherst’s sixth town manager,” Capriola said.
“During my visits to Amherst I have observed both residents and staff who care deeply about the community and its future,” Capriola said. “I believe I am well suited to address both challenges and opportunities facing the community, and as town manager will bring my energy, enthusiasm and passion for local government to my work.”
It’s uncertain how soon a contract for the job, which was advertised with a starting salary of $155,000, will be finalized.
Brewer said the Select Board expects to have executive sessions to strategize on details, with multiple negotiating sessions likely for the negotiating team.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
