My name is Mathew Chabot, and I am a member of the Vergennes City Council.
During the first week of January I requested of Mayor Mike Daniels that the subject of starting a search for our next City Manager be placed on the agenda for the City Council meeting scheduled for Jan. 9, 2018. The purpose for that request was exactly in line with recent FPF comments that have arisen surrounding Mayor Daniels recent quotes in the Addison Independent.
City Manager Hawley has been an asset to Vergennes for many, many years, and filling this job is paramount to the continued success of our community.
It’s no small task, and must be given the appropriate level of due process, including engaging with our community, City personnel, business leaders and, if appropriate, employing a professional search company.
During an interview, Mayor Daniels was quoted regarding a comment about “shooting from the hip” regarding the hiring process. Mayor Daniels has since provided clarification, that “shoot from the hip” is an acronym for a hiring process he has used in the past. (Strategic, Formal, Hiring, Interview, Process). While the phrase seems a bit cavalier, the process is grounded in sound logic, and can provide guidance to the Council as we seek to secure top-level talent to manage the City for the foreseeable future.
I write to assure you that the City Council takes this process extremely seriously. As we are just getting started, and there is time, we will be discussing at length the entire process, the attributes and skills desired in the next Manager, and how to allow a transparent, engaging hiring process that allows for everyone interested to participate.
We are in a (somewhat) odd position, where we have not received formal notice of resignation from Mel, which he is not obligated to do, but has committed to giving in a timely fashion. That’s fine, and I’m not trying to rush him into retirement!
If you are interested in taking part in the process, please reach out to myself or a fellow Alderperson. We would welcome your participation!
Mathew Chabot
Vergennes