Introducing the new Town Admin. Dave Berry
Published on August 15th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - David Berry plans to take over as Stoneham Town Administrator on Sept. 4. “I’m apprehensive but confident I’ll succeed,” Berry said.
After two of the four finalists dropped out in July, Selectmen voted unanimous approval of Berry. His contract is still under negotiation.
Berry exchanges the limited authority of the Town Coordinator position in Bolton, population 4,300, for the head honcho post in Stoneham, population 23,000. Berry’s previous move was equally bold, leaving his Wayland Town Planner position four years ago to become Bolton’s first ever Town Coordinator.
“I was nervous then, but I did it and received universally good reviews,” Berry said.
Library Director Kelly Collins raves about Berry.
“I told everyone that called to ask about him not to hire him because Bolton needs him,” Collins said. “He brought people together in a way that was not done before.”
Police Chief Celia Hyde praised Berry’s organizational skills and even temper.
“Quite simply it’s our loss and your gain,” Hyde said.
Berry shifts from an overseer and adviser in Bolton to a boss and manger in Stoneham. Also, the character of the town was also appealing, he said.
“I was interested in the Stoneham position because the community is larger and more diverse,” Berry said. “There’s an economic diversity and even more ethnic diversity than where I’ve been.”
Berry plans to move closer to Stoneham. He’s single and lives in Maynard.
“I’m not required to live in Stoneham, but I’d like to give it a try,” Berry said. The May 2001 Town Meeting voted down a residency requirement.
Berry’s goals include development of the former Boston Regional Medical Center site, immersing himself in Stoneham’s budget process, maintaining the Town Common, continuing downtown revitalization, and becoming acquainted with all the boards, officials and employees of the town.
“I want to look for more revenue... and look where to be frugal, to make cuts,” Berry said about the $60 million Stoneham budget, which, he noted, is four times the size of Bolton’s.
Berry is following in the footsteps of Jeff Nutting, a financial whiz and Stoneham’s longest serving TA, but Berry has handled tough challenges before, and he says he’s ready.
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