EASTHAMPTON — The city is searching for new leaders of its Parks and Recreation and Building departments after Parks and Recreation Director John Mason resigned to take a job in the Berkshires and Building Commissioner David Gardner announced his retirement.
Mason is leaving after 17 years working for the city to become town administrator in Lanesborough, in the Berkshires. Mason spoke at the Nov. 4 City Council meeting, reflecting on his time in Easthampton.
“Thank you all. Thank you to the community for the support through the years. I really appreciate everything that you’ve done to help me become a better professional,” Mason said, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Meanwhile, Building Commissioner David Gardner is retiring effective Monday after two years in the role. Gardner, 72, had previously retired several years ago as commissioner for East Longmeadow, before deciding to come back to work in Easthampton where he has lived for more than three decades.
“I just feel fortunate to have been able to work here,” Gardner said in an interview with the Gazette. “My goal has been to help people as much as I can.”
John Mason
Mason was honored on Wednesday night, when he thanked nearly every department for the support they have given him through the years along with elected officials past and present, including all four mayoral administrations he has worked under.
Mason will start his new job on Monday, but said he will still help Easthampton as it transitions to a new director.
“We’re [the department] always trying to do things for the community, better the community and better the well-being of the residents,” Mason said. “To have all that support through the years … has been very important.”
Mason also thanked his staff which he called his “second family.”
“Seventeen years, a lot of them have been there the whole time with me — Sam, George, Jeff, Dan,” Mason said emotionally.
“They’ve never told me ‘That’s not my job,'” Mason said. “They’ve always said, ‘What can I do to help you or what can I do to help make this community a better place to live.'”
State Rep. Homar Gómez spoke at the meeting, looking back to his days as a city councilor when he first met Mason. As a former coach and supporter of the parks department in various roles, Gómez said his relationship with Mason has only grown since they met.
“We became friends. John, thank you for everything you’ve been doing for these many years for the community,” Gómez said.
Mayor Salem Derby reflected on memories of his own. Derby said that Mason has a “can-do attitude,” and what he does with a small portion of the city’s budget is “magical,” referencing events like the Harvest Festival and the Rag Shag Parade.
“It’s going to be really hard to have John leave us, but I know the community that gets him is really lucky, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to be able to work alongside him,” Derby said.
Different members of the Parks and Recreation Commission said many kind words about Mason, including Chair Kira Henninger.
“One of John’s most admirable qualities and his greatest strength as a leader is that he always puts people first,” Henninger said. “John cares deeply about this community and the people he works with.”
David Gardner
In an interview with the Gazette, Gardner reflected on his time in Easthampton, saying he enjoyed working in the community where he lives.
With decades of experience as a contractor, inspector and commissioner, Gardner said he tried to make department operations in Easthampton, such as permitting, go as quickly as possible to help residents.
“One of my goals here in the Building Department has always been to do permit applications and inspect buildings as quick as possible,” Gardner said.
As commissioner, Gardner said that sometimes he has to be the bearer of bad news, having to be the enforcer of state codes. He said he has always tried to be as educational as possible to help people understand code requirements and how they can meet them.
“I help everybody as much as I possibly can because there are a lot of laws, there are lot of moving parts,” Gardner said.
Particularly this year, Gardner said he has sought different cost-saving measures in the department, a request from Mayor Derby to all heads as the city faces a financial deficit.
Derby said the city plans to have an interim commissioner take Gardner’s role until a full-time replacement is hired.
Both job openings are posted on the city’s website.
