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Politics & Government

Newton-Needham Chamber President Selected for Framingham Town Manager Job

The town's drawn-out search for a new town manager most likely ended last night when the board agreed to offer the job to the current president of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

The decision for Framingham’s next town manager hinged on one crucial point: who among the three candidates had extraordinary skills to best meet Framingham’s needs right now.

Without any dissention, the Framingham Board of Selectmen agreed last night to offer the job to . Former Longmeadow town manager Robin Crosbie and Naugatuck, CT, mayor Ronald San Angelo were the other two finalists for the position.

Halpin has more than 25 years of experience in local government and served as town manager in Westford and North Andover. He also was in charge of the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council.

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Halpin of 2011.

If Halpin decides to move forward, the process goes to the negotiation phase and the acceptance of a compensation package. There was no time frame given of when Halpin might be in the town manager’s post.

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“It came down to who could match skills with Framingham’s needs, both in the short term and the long term,” said Selectman Dennis Giombetti. “We were fortunate to have three very, very, very good candidates.”

Halpin .

After hearing glowing reports from fellow selectmen Jason Smith and Laurie Lee on all three candidates, Giombetti gave a long introduction before making a motion to offer the job to Halpin. Selectman Ginger Esty was quick to second the motion and Sisitsky asked for further discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote.

“What I like about him is he is an outstanding manager, he delegates well and he has the ability to hold people accountable,” said Giombetti, who, along with Smith, visited the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce and talked to a number of people in those communities who have worked with Halpin.

“He has a deep understanding of economic development and a record of success,” said Giombetti. “He has high energy and an appreciation of what needs to get done. In my mind, Mr. Halpin covers the needs we have in Framingham.”

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