Manko Porposes Madison Town Manager

Peter Manko received 31 write-in votes for first selectman in the Nov. 3 municipal election. He didn't win, but he hopes to make his point. With the elections just concluded, is it time for the town to consider a town manager form of government?

Just moments after First

Selectman Fillmore McPherson was sworn into office Monday and had convened his first Board of Selectmen meeting, Manko rose to say, "I believe the town has reached the time to consider a town manager, a professional," to handle the day-to-day issues of

administration.

"The Board of Education hires a superintendent. The

Police Commission hires a chief," Manko said.

Both are examples of professional managers in their fields of expertise. The town should consider following a similar model, he believes.

"With all due respect to our

recently elected officials-and congratulations to you all-an elected first selectman may not have the background in government or management that's necessary to run the town," Manko said.

He suggested the present charter be changed to allow for a town manager form of government.

"Changing the charter is a process, I understand that. I am asking you, Fillmore, to consider this as an objective," Manko said. "I know it's a tough one for someone who has just been elected, but I ask that you consider it."

Manko, a Democrat, served for many years on the Board of Education. In 2001 he ran as his party's nominee for first selectman and lost to Republican Tom Scarpati. In 2003 Manko ran again, this time as a selectman candidate, and he won a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

At Monday's meeting,

Melanie Clark added her voice to Manko's.

"We should look at a charter change. The town has grown to the point where I believe we

deserve a town manager…a professional," she said. "There are a number of ways to go about this, but I would like to see this discussion begin as soon as possible."

Consideration of charter changes takes time and the process takes time, she said.

McPherson smiled and commented, "It seems everyone wants me to be a one-term first selectman."

Tom Banisch, chair of the last Charter Revision Commission, suggested that there was no need to change the town's form of government.

"If you want to do this, it doesn't need a charter change, just hire someone for the position, for the position of an administrator," he said.