McKenna to be Consultant to Town

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

At the end of the month, Town Manager James McKenna will step down from his leadership position and become a consultant to the town until his contract expires in May 2018.

McKenna made the announcement at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.

McKenna said this begins the transition process. After he steps aside as town manager, the council is tasked with appointing a temporary, 90-day interim town-manager. Then the task for the town council will be to hire a permanent town manager.

“It’s a lot to do for this fall,” McKenna told the council. “It’s been an honor to be here, and I’ll be here to help with the transition process.”

McKenna has been town manager for the last nine years.

“We’ve made a lot of progress since [the change to a Town Manager/Town Council form of government],” said Councilor Nick DelVento, one of the original members of the Town Council.

McKenna announced in May that he did not want to renew his contract and would like to pursue a career in teaching.

During his time as town manager, McKenna worked on several projects: the new high/middle school; Miller Field; the Center Business District, the master plan and the ferry.

DelVento said looking back at the state of the town and the Commonwealth,the town has made a lot of progress.

“You’ve been proactive and got things done,” he said. “We were in tough shape.”

“You’ve planted a seed for the future and the Town of Winthrop is a better place,” said Councilor Paul Varone.