Morse to start negotiations for new job in Provincetown

March 1, 2021 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE – Mayor Alex Morse will now go on to contract negotiations with the Provincetown Select Board for the position of that community’s town manager.

The board voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to offer the position to Morse, who was among the three finalists for the job.

Morse’s selection has ended much speculation about what his next career move would be after he announced he would not run for another term as Holyoke’s chief executive. Morse had run against Congressman Richard Neal during the last election and had not only lost, but had not been able to carry Holyoke.

Morse reacted with a statement on Facebook, “I can think of no better place to continue my service than in the special place that is Provincetown, I’m honored by the trust placed in me by five members of the Provincetown Select Board this evening.”

Members of the Select Board noted what distinguished Morse from the two other finalists is his municipal experience. The other two finalists were Jennifer Pinck, who had years of experience in the construction business and who has been a resident of the town since 1988, and Kevin Hepner, a CPA and a frequent visitor to the community.

The candidates came out of a pool of 120 applicants. Select Board Chairman David Abramson said this was a “very tough decision.” Other board members praised all three candidates.

Provincetown has a year-round population of just fewer than 3,000 people, but the community grows to a much larger population during tourism season.

Select Board member Robert Anthony said of Morse, “I think he’s a mover.“

Select Board Vice Chair John Golden noted that Morse has worked on diversity issues, something that is needed in the town, while Select Board Member Lise King said, “We need a town manager who can unite the town.”

According to published reports, Provincetown has been without a town manager for the past seven months. The previous manager, Robin Craver, resigned after six months of duty.  The town manager before Craver was Davis Panagore, who served for three and half years. Panagore is well known in Springfield political circles for his work on the Finance Control Board.

Members of the board stated they hoped the candidate they hire would stay from five to seven years.

Public reaction on social media ranged from congratulations from supporters to critical comments from Holyoke residents, who noted issues that have yet to be resolved in the city.

According to published reports, the salary for the town manager position could be as high as $190,000 annually.

According to the city charter the City Council president would serve as an interim mayor.

City Councilor Rebecca Lisi told Reminder Publishing, “I congratulate Mayor Morse on his selection as Provincetown Town Manager. I think it’s a particular nice fit where he will be able to make use of his 10 years of service to the city of Holyoke. I look forward to working with him and our departments heads on creating a seamless transition.”

Lisi is one of several candidates for mayor in Holyoke.

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