Belated congratulations to Jeff Chelgren, who was appointed last month as new town administrator in Marblehead. Chelgren, who is slated to leave a similar post in the town of Wenham next month, will have big shoes to fill. Predecessor Tony Sasso served the town ably over almost two decades, keeping a tight rein on spending while providing residents with top-flight services. The town is one of only two dozen in the state whose bonds are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's.
There were more than 60 applicants for Sasso's job, as might be expected in a seaside community known for its great quality of life, fine schools and stable tax rate. But Chelgren was the unanimous choice of selectmen (The vote was 3-0, Harry Christensen and Bret Murray having recused themselves because they have relatives who work for the town) when they met on Jan. 18.
"Tony (Sasso) has done a tremendous job," Selectman James Nye declared after the vote, "and Jeff (Chelgren) seems to have a lot of those same qualities."
That augurs well for the town. With the annual town meeting approaching — as in Wenham, in Marblehead every resident is eligible to vote, making these a sometimes raucous and time-consuming affair — Chelgren has his work cut out for him. But the Lynn resident has had his taste of controversy and rancor in his current post, and should be well-suited for the task that lies ahead.
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base
Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific
90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction
Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
