ECRWSS PRSRT STD US Postage
PAID
Permit #15 Williston,VT 05495 POSTAL CUSTOMER
JULY 2, 2020
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Republican seeks Williston seat in Vermont House “Seeing that Terry was retiring, that changed the landscape. That presented an Observer staff opportunity,” said O’Rourke, a New York Tony O’Rourke is running to become the native and father of five. “It’s tough to unfirst Republican to represent the Town of seat an incumbent.” O’Rourke’s only previous political camWilliston in the Vermont House of Representatives in the nearly 20 years that he has paign was an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Williston Selectboard in 2015. lived here. He is a veteran of the food, beverage and hospitality industries who moved to Vermont in 1997 to manage the former Sirloin Saloon in Shelburne. He currently works as a regional manager for a wine supplier. Since his 2002 move to Williston, he has volunteered as a Little League coach and with the sustainable growth group Citizens for Responsible Growth, as well as on his neighborhood homeowners association. O’Rourke describes himself as a moderate Republican, one who supports Gov. Phil Scott, but not president Donald Trump. His legislative focus would be on fiscal responsibility, addressing the rising cost of living and environmenObserver file photo tal sustainability. He is running out of a sense of civic responsibility. Williston resident Tony O’Rourke. “I don’t have a political agenda,” he said. “I think that people should, when they can and when they are willing, enter into the arena of O’Rourke was recruited by the Vermont public service.” Republican Party to run after it became Running for a seat in the Vermont Legisclear that 12-year incumbent Democrat lature as a Republican “is an uphill battle,” Terry Macaig would not seek re-election. he acknowledged. “I think people someO’Rourke missed the deadline to file with times have already made up their mind the Vermont Secretary of State to be on the based on the letter next to a name, and I Republican ballot in the Aug. 11 party pri- think that is a dangerous approach to polmary elections. To become the Republican itics. “It seems like every topic has people nominee, he will need at least 25 write-in on one side of the fence or the other,” he votes. He would then advance to the Nocontinued. “There should be no fence. It vember general election, where he would should be a table to sit down and talk.” run against incumbent Democrat Jim McAsked to comment on O’Rourke’s canCullough and first-time candidate, Demodidacy, Macaig offered only: “He has a difcrat Erin Brady for one of the two Williston ferent set of values politically than I do.” seats in the House. O’Rourke said he plans to speak to Macaig has endorsed Brady as his sucas many Williston residents as possible cessor. The last Republican to hold one through the campaign season. Early voting of the seats was Mike Quaid, whom Mcby mail is currently available through the Cullough defeated in 2002. Williston Town Clerk’s office. By Jason Starr
Observer photo by Al Frey
Erik Wells has advanced from assistant to the town manager to assistant town manager and now to town manager.
Wells chosen for town manager By Jason Starr Observer staff
In two and a half years, Erik Wells has advanced from assistant to the town manager to assistant town manager and now to town manager. Wells has accepted an offer from the Williston Selectboard to succeed Rick McGuire as Williston’s top town administrator. McGuire plans to retire in early August after 22 years as town manager. The board’s offer is conditional on a background check and negotiation of an employment contract. “It is with a great deal of excitement and gratitude that I have accepted the conditional offer of employment to serve as Williston’s town manager,” Wells said.” I look forward to working with members of the town staff, town officials and the residents of Williston. It is a great community to be a part of.” The board conducted a national search with the help of a New Hampshire-based contractor that yielded more than 30 candidates. The pool was whittled to five finalists — four from Vermont who were interviewed at the town offices in June and one from Colorado who was interviewed remotely. Three
were invited back for second interviews. Wells applied for the position when it was first advertised over the winter, after McGuire announced plans to retire. McGuire had hoped to retire at the end of June, but the board decided to extend the recruitment process due to the coronavirus pandemic. McGuire said he will help Wells transition into the new role throughout July. “I am thrilled that Erik is being given this opportunity, and the town government will be in good hands thanks to the selectboard, staff and Erik,” McGuire said. Wells came to Williston in 2017 from Milton, where he was the director of administration and community affairs. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from St. Michael’s College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Vermont. Selectboard chair Terry Macaig described Wells as a comforting presence who has proven himself to be a good written and verbal communicator. “I believe Mr. Wells has the skills, experience and personal qualities that will serve the town well,” Macaig said. “We are looking forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
WANTED: Williston July Fourth Memories & Photos
for our special July 9 issue Deadline: Monday, July 6 at noon
We will combine your submissions with selections from our archives for a special commemoration of Williston’s July Fourth history for all of us to enjoy! FOR MORE DETAILS, SEE PAGE 5