The June 24 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board included the board members meeting with the two finalists, Marissa Hughes and Sandra Soutter, who were vying for the soon-to-be-vacated position of Recreation Director. Each candidate was given the opportunity to share their professional and relevant backgrounds as well as asking the board any questions that might be lingering in their minds.
Hughes’ background includes her current position as a teacher at Center School. She pointed to her years working as a soccer coach for the Mariner organization as well as organizing Rochester Youth Baseball, and Old Rochester Regional lacrosse.
The board asked how she would handle conflict resolution with Hughes saying she would listen to the grievous party with an open mind.
The candidates pointed to a lack of dedicated Recreation Department space as a possible hinderance to the growth of programing.
Candidate Soutter was given equal time with responses that landed favorably but, in the end, Hughes came out as the candidate of choice.
In other business, Ray Hanks came before the board requesting that the title of the advisory committee in which he chairs be changed. He said a name change, from Cemetery and Monuments to Advisory Committee for Town Cemeteries, Memorials and Veteran Recognition gave clarity to the committee’s charge. The board agreed.
The next meeting of the Select Board was not announced at adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell