BRUNSWICK

Brunswick residents and the town council on Monday seemed to agree it is important that the public participate in the search for a new town manager. What is less clear, however, was just how much public participation there should be, and what form that participation should take.

During a workshop on Monday, resident Dan Harris cautioned giving the public at large too much input during the interview process and turning it into “Dancing With The Stars.”

“The hiring of a town manager should not be a popularity contest,” Harris said.

Council Chairman Benet Pols, though, cautioned against “narrowing the scope of citizen participation to the usual suspects.”

Only about a dozen residents showed up at the workshop, held to solicit public opinion on the search process and discuss what traits the new town manager should have. Most of those who spoke were members of town or quasi-municipal boards.

Alex Anesko, who also chairs the Recyling and Sustainability Committee, said he wanted a manager “most focused on the budget,” particularly as it concerns town facilities.

Harris, a member of the Brunswick Development Corporation, noted that, while the council “can never have the depth of knowledge that the manager has,” it’s important that the manager still follows the council’s policy, instead of making policy.

Rich Ellis, a school board member, said he wanted someone detail-oriented and good at project management. Also, Ellis said, the right candidate will know the position is more than just a day job.

Lincoln Street resident Richard Fisco said the future town manager needs an “open door policy” who can be “constructive in the face of disagreement.” He repeatedly warned against “authoritarianism.”

The deadline for applying for the position is today at 5 p.m. The council will meet July 1 to review resumes, after which the council will decide how to structure two rounds of interviews.

Town Councilor Steven Walker’s suggestion of holding a public forum for town manager candidates similar to a candidate’s night raised a couple of eyebrows.

Ellis said he could see value in watching how candidates engage the public at large in a public forum. However, he urged caution over a format that could create an “odd dynamic.”

“Having multiple candidates at the same time could be a disaster, like the Thunderdome,” said Ellis, referring to the gladiatorial arena that has a science fiction appearance.

Some participants on Monday warned that having a very public round of interviews might dissuade good candidates. Applicants already employed may not wish “to burn their bridges where they currently work” by having their desire to become Brunswick’s town manager made public, said Councilor John Richardson.

ONLY ABOUT A DOZEN residents showed up at Monday’s workshop, held to solicit public opinion on the search process and discuss what traits the new town manager should have. Most of those who spoke were members of town or quasimunicipal boards.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com