PUTNEY — Karen Astley, the town's administrative assistant, will soon move to a new room in the Town Offices.
At the Jan. 31 regular Selectboard meeting, the Board appointed Astley to the town manager position, effective March 14.
She replaces Chip Stearns, who took the job as interim town manager in early August and recently announced his contract with the town will end in mid-March.
Taking the administrative assistant position in October was a strategic move, Astley told The Commons.
This past summer, Astley learned about the major personnel changes in Putney's Town Offices. Within the span of a few months, former Town Clerk and Treasurer Anita Coomes retired, newly-elected Town Clerk and Treasurer Denise Germon abandoned her positions, and Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard and Administrative Assistant Laura Barcomb resigned.
Knowing the Selectboard hired Stearns as interim town manager, and that the town needed an administrative assistant, Astley thought to herself, “Is this my opportunity?”
“If I was going to make my move, now's the time,” Astley said. “I knew I could do the work. It's perfect because of my education, my background, and I'm local. I know the dynamics from living and working in small Vermont towns.”
Keeping some distance
Astley, who lives in Newfane, was Westminster's administrative assistant, working with Town Manager Russell Hodgkins, for just under four years.
Before that, she spent 18 years in the same capacity at engineering firms. These experiences, and Astley's bachelor's degree in public administration, “give me some background and some exposure to municipalities and their processes,” she said.
Last year, when Newfane's former Town Clerk Gloria Cristelli announced her retirement, some residents suggested to Astley that she run, she said.
But in Newfane, that position is a one-year term, and Astley wanted more stability. She said her husband is an independent contractor, and she is responsible for securing their health insurance.
Astley believes working in a different town from the one where she resides is a plus. “I don't have to have an opinion” on the town or its people's actions, she said. “I'm here to do my job.”
“I'm familiar with all aspects [of municipal government], but I have learned a lot more being here!” Astley said of her four months in the Putney Town Offices.
“I have more exposure to the financials, because Putney's town manager is also the financial officer,” she said. “When I got hired, I came in and quickly started learning the financial piece, because I didn't know for sure how long Chip was going to be here,” Astley said.
The tumult in the Town Offices has also been a good teacher.
“We're in transition,” Astley said. “With the town clerk resignation, that piece will need to be addressed. What do the voters want to see happen?”
“As we transition and people are in their respective offices, my hope is we can get back on track,” she said, and pointed out a plaque behind her desk, with words that guide her: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.”
Knowing the players
During her first year as town manager, Astley's main goal is “to get my feet on the ground."
“I'm confident that by June I'll be up to speed,” she said, “but the challenge is knowing the players, the people in town.”
“As I get familiar with Putney, there's always something challenging, but having resources to work through it will be key,” she said.
Astley said she will look to some key colleagues for help.
Fire Chief Tom Goddard “wears many hats and he'll be a valuable resource,” Astley said. “Brian Harlow, our highway superintendent, same thing. He knows the town and the people well. They'll be my wing-men for awhile. And Chip will be my co-pilot for awhile, too. I also have Cynthia [Stoddard] and Russ [Hodgkins],” she said.
“I've taken a lot of notes from watching Chip, and the way he handles himself and the Selectboard,” she said. “I almost wish he'd be here a little longer. But I'm ready to move into that position.”
“I truly hope I have the support of the community. I'm here to listen, and the door will always be open,” Astley said. “And if I don't have an answer for someone, I'll get one.”