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Melrose mayor a finalist for Lynnfield administrator

Robert Dolan has been mayor of Melrose for 16 years.Globe staff file photo

Robert J. Dolan, who has been mayor of Melrose since 2002, has been named one of two finalists in the search for a new town administrator in Lynnfield.

On Monday, Dec. 12, a search committee sent the names of Dolan and Robert J. Curtin as the finalists to replace outgoing Town Administrator James Boudreau, who is resigning to become town administrator in Scituate, according to Board of Selectman Chairman Christopher J. Barrett, who chaired the screening panel.

The board is set to interview the finalists at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Curtin has been assistant to administration in Lynnfield for eight years and was recently named by selectmen to become acting town manager effective Monday, Dec. 18. Boudreau’s last day in Lynnfield is Friday, Dec. 15.

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Dolan’s decision to seek the Lynnfield job came as a surprise in Melrose, where he is in the midst of his third four-year term after three two-year terms.

“Due to the recently announced departure of the Lynnfield town administrator, an unanticipated and unique opportunity arose for me and my family,” Dolan said in a statement. “I chose to explore the position due to the professional opportunity it presents, and I am honored to have been named a finalist for the position of Lynnfield town administrator.

“After much reflection, I have decided to continue on with the process. I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Melrose for 24 years as an elected official and 16 as mayor. As the selection process continues to unfold, I will keep the citizens of Melrose up to date every step of the way,”

Dolan currently earns $131,000 as mayor of Melrose. Lynnfield advertised the town administrator’s job as $160,000 or more depending on qualifications and experience.

A past president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association, Dolan is currently vice president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

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“We all love him. We’re sad because it’s our loss if he goes,” said Melrose City Clerk Mary Rita O’Shea. “But we’re happy for him.”

Prior to becoming assistant to administration, Curtin was editor of the Lynnfield-Peabody Weekly News for 20 years.

“I’m thankful to the board and the screening committee for the consideration,” Curtin said of being named a finalist. “I love working in the town of Lynnfield and I look forward to the rest of the process.”

Barrett said Dolan and Curtin were among 38 applicants for the job. A consultant, former Lowell town manager Bernard Lynch, narrowed the list to nine, four of whom were interviewed by the committee. The panel then selected three finalists, one of whom withdrew.

“Both are very impressive,” Barrett said of the finalists. “They both bring something very important to the table for us to consider.

“Bob is an outstanding public servant for the town of Lynnfield,” Barrett said of Curtin. “He’s dedicated, knows Lynnfield well, and I’m confident he’d be an effective town administrator.” Barrett said Dolan “has done a great job for the community of Melrose since 2002. . . . He’s made it one of the go-to communities for people who want to live and raise a family. “

There have been several instances of elected mayors in the region later becoming appointed managers, including former Salem mayor Neil J. Harrington, who is now Salisbury Town Manager, and former Malden Mayor Richard C. Howard, who is Winchester town manager.

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Should Dolan vacate his seat to take the Lynnfield job prior to the start of the third year of his four-year term on Jan. 8, the Melrose charter provides that a special election would have to be called within 90 days to fill the seat. If the seat became vacant on Jan. 8 or after, it would be filled by the president of the Board of Aldermen, according to city solicitor Robert Van Campen.

The current president, Donald L. Conn Jr., lost his bid for reelection in November and is leaving office Jan. 8. In a Dec. 4 nonbinding caucus, the future board chose Michael P. Zwirko to become its next president, with a formal vote set to take place when the board reorganizes Jan. 8.


John Laidler can be reached at laidler@globe.com.