2 selectmen respond to Globe

The Board of Selectmen, in a 3-1 vote, named one of its own as interim town clerk following five half-hour interviews Thursday, Feb. 25. Jack Hurd, a selectman since 1997, expects to step down from the board before Town Clerk Corinne Rainville leaves in April the position she has held since 1994.

The selectmen's office confirmed that board member Diane Mahon voted against naming Hurd and favored appointing the assistant town clerk, Stephanie Lucarelli. Selectmen decided to appoint an interim clerk rather than hold a special election, at a cost estimated at $32,000.

Hurd, who abstained from the vote, said he plans to run for reelection to the office once the term ends in 2011, WickedLocal reported.

Selectwoman Clarissa Rowe said at the board meeting of Monday, Feb. 22, that she felt "uncomfortable making a decision that involves my colleague." She said she had heard from many people who expressed dislike for the process to that point. She added that she wanted to see the clerk's office updated.

She and Selectwoman Annie LaCourt said they agreed with expanding the committee of those involved in the interviews.

Rainville said in January that she plans to retire a year before her term ends from the post, which could pay $70,000 to $80,000. She has not said exactly why other than to report that it was "time."

Lucarelli worked for five years in the selectmen's office and has been the assistant town clerk for 16 years.

The other candidates for interim clerk were Michele Meagher, the former executive director of the Chamber of Commerce; Martha Drouet, an attorney and tax-preparer; and Allison Betts, a business owner.

Once Hurd steps down, the remaining selectmen and Town Moderator John Leone will appoint someone to fill out the rest of Hurd’s selectman term, which is to end in 2012.

YourArlington asked all selectmen to comment Friday, Feb. 26. None has yet responded to the questions asked.

But Selectmen Chairman Kevin Greeley told The Boston Globe Feb. 26 that while some may believe selectmen were merely appointing a friend, he believes Hurd's experience as a former manager with Polaroid and his
familiarity with the duties of the town clerk made him the top choice for the job.

The Globe quoted Greeley: "Certainly there are some that are claiming this is cronyism. I truly believe he was the best candidate."

Greeley said the annual salary for the position would be between $70,000 and $80,000, though the exact amount will be negotiated with Hurd.

The Globe also quoted Mahon, who reportedly said she felt uncomfortable voting for Hurd because it could appear that the board was simply appointing "one of our own." She said many people approached her about the process and said appointing a fellow selectman would be cronyism.

Mahon told The Globe she voted for Lucarelli, whom she believed to be the most qualified for the clerk's job.

This story was first published Friday, Feb. 26, and updated after that.