WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=ykyOBiF3jas

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:50.079
with the recording. All set, madam chair. >> Okay, very good. Say the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,

2
00:00:50.079 --> 00:01:07.040
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Want to welcome all of you that are here this evening. Um please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live on YouTube. The meeting file will be shared with various public access

3
00:01:07.040 --> 00:01:23.759
channels throughout Plymouth County for further potential rebroadcasting. Hey, uh we are here this evening for interviews of three candidates that we have received. Uh how this is going to go will be that we will first uh the three commissioners will first ask one

4
00:01:23.759 --> 00:01:39.360
question and if we get around to round two or maybe three depending on our time. So I ask that everybody hold their other questions or other questions that they may have until the end of the questioning uh of each candidate. Uh

5
00:01:39.360 --> 00:01:56.479
first we have um Mr. Hefn. Mr. Hefan, thank you so much. We appreciate you applying for this position. I know you've been here for a while and I know that um you're anxious to uh do your interview with us. So uh we go ahead. I

6
00:01:56.479 --> 00:02:12.560
know one of the things that we looked forward to um I know your resume is is very nice. I looked through it and found a lot of challenging uh issues on it. Um also some of the things that we're looking for uh in my opinion is uh

7
00:02:12.560 --> 00:02:29.680
community relations which I've been firsthand with you. I know how you're doing that. Uh operations and service delivery vision and county specific. So, we will go right ahead and let you speak um for yourself. >> Uh thank you, Madam Chair, commissioners. Uh it's good to be with

8
00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:46.160
you this afternoon. Um, I've drafted an opening statement, but I just wanted to take a moment to uh thank my colleagues within county government, the madam chair, commissioners yourselves as well as assist um you just left county administrator Frank Basler for his years of service, assistant uh um county

9
00:02:46.160 --> 00:03:01.840
administrator Theresa Vernazar who I've worked closely with as Molly Lmer and her staff for um the county treasurer Tom O'Brien, deputy treasurer Jeff Welch. Um Jack Jack was uh here earlier just a few minutes ago as a lead as well as our legal counsel Shannon as well

10
00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:17.519
working with you. Uh and it's been a joy to uh work with Implyth County over the course of the last seven months. I want to begin with something simple but fundamental. I understand the role that I am seeking. The county administrator is not an independent office and it is not a political platform. It is a

11
00:03:17.519 --> 00:03:34.159
service position, a leadership pos role within this organization and fundamentally staffed to this commission. The authority of this office flow flows through you. Your policy direction is final and the responsibility of the county administrator role is to ensure that your decisions are executed with

12
00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:49.760
discipline, transparency, and urgency so that the county operates at the highest possible level in service to the people of Plymouth County. Equally important is ensuring clarity of execution so that what is decided here by this commission is carried through the organization

13
00:03:49.760 --> 00:04:06.080
consistently and effectively without distortion. Like you, I'm a local elected official. I spent nearly a decade serving in public office in an environment defined by accountability, scrutiny, and direct responsibility to the public. In that time, I've helped

14
00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:21.519
oversee and vet a budget exceeding $200 million. Work that demands constant attention to to detail, fiscal discipline, and a real obligation to the taxpayers. I also hold a master's of science and political science from Suffach

15
00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:36.639
University where I graduated with honors as well as being a certified public purchasing official in the state of Massachusetts also known as MCPO. Together these credentials have provided me with the knowledge to understand effective public governance and practical expertise to manage

16
00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:52.720
procurement, safeguard public resources and support the efficient operation of government. I am ready to assume this role on day one. Over the past seven months, since being unanimously appointed by this body as administrator and training, I have moved well beyond learning about county government, I have

17
00:04:52.720 --> 00:05:09.280
developed a working mastery of its operations and the experience required to lead them. During that time, I have worked across every facet of county government, participating directly in the budget process, helping oversee and modernize our courouses and supporting our 4 staff and the programs they offer,

18
00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:25.440
among many other responsibilities. That experience has given me a clear understanding of what works well, but also where we have real opportunity to strengthen our operations, improve coordination, and move Plymouth County forward. My work has included leading the leasing initiative at 32 Belmont

19
00:05:25.440 --> 00:05:40.639
Street in the city of Brockton. An effort requiring coordination across stakeholders, careful planning, and consistent execution with the potential to generate over $100,000 in annual revenue for Plymouth County. It has also included serving as county

20
00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:56.479
ADA coordinator where I led the transition of county digital services to meet federal accessibility standards. A transition that has been completed a year ahead of the federally mandated deadline through discipline coordination with our staff and vendors. It has also included working to solve problems that

21
00:05:56.479 --> 00:06:13.120
do not fit neatly within one office or silo. Because county government isn't a collection of separate parts, it's one system. And when that system is aligned, it performs. In recent weeks, I worked with the chair in developing and distributing a survey to our member communities, followed by

22
00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:29.680
in-person meetings across these towns that responded. What we heard was consistent. They're looking for partnership, clarity, and results. That brings me to where we are today. The ARB era gave the county government an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate what can be accomplished when it is

23
00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:46.400
empowered and trusted to deliver. But that era is now ended. What matters now is what we build beyond that last that lasts. Beyond the AR era rather Plymouth County has a clear opportunity not simply to maintain progress but to deepen it to strengthen regional

24
00:06:46.400 --> 00:07:01.759
collaboration to expand our partnerships with our municipalities and to advance shared services in a way that are practical, measurable, and sustainable. If entrusted with this role, my commitment will be to serve as a strong and effective partner of this commission.

25
00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:17.520
providing the leadership, management, and accountability necessary to implement your vision for Plymouth County. I will work collaboratively with each of you to execute your priorities, support our employees, and ensure county government operates efficiently,

26
00:07:17.520 --> 00:07:34.639
professionally, and responsibly. Together, we will continue modernizing operations, strengthening our facilities and services, and reinforcing the county's role as a trusted partner to our municipalities, residents, and stakeholders. My objective is straightforward. To lead day-to-day

27
00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:51.199
operations of in of this county in a way that reflects your direction, earns public confidence, and strengthens Plymouth County for the future. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to answering your questions this afternoon. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Heman. Pepper. Uh, I look forward to hearing some of

28
00:07:51.199 --> 00:08:07.919
the questions that my colleagues have for you and we'll go from there. I think I'll start with Commissioner Alan Zola. >> Uh, thank you, Madame Chair. Uh, Chris, thank you for your opening statement and we appreciate your application as well as the last several months. Uh, I will

29
00:08:07.919 --> 00:08:23.840
start with uh a question and you may have already answered in your opening, but do you currently derive income uh from any other employment whether it's self-employment or otherwise? as I I've served as a counselor at large in the town of Wayimoth for almost 10 years now and I do receive a stipen for that. >> Okay. And it's just a stipen.

30
00:08:23.840 --> 00:08:39.279
>> It's a small it's $10,000 per year paid monthly. >> Okay. I do have a couple of other questions, Madam Chair, but I'm willing to >> I'm not sure I I have any guidance on how Okay. >> Um >> just a general question that you asked.

31
00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:55.839
>> Yeah. Um I have no followup on that one. Uh my my second question um so Bristol County has a a larger budget staff in an agricultural school. Uh their administrator makes $110,000 a year.

32
00:08:55.839 --> 00:09:11.279
Given that what do you think the pay of the Plymouth County administr administrator should be given uh some of the factors that uh play here that we have half the budget, 1/8 uh the responsibility, what would you consider to be a fair salary for this role? I

33
00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:26.640
think the salary that's in place now, the sal salary scale that was put in place by this commission, especially the um due to the fact that Mr. Basler currently um comes in at I think $122,000. I think that that is um the salary scale that it should sit at at the moment. But that is not a decision that rests with the county administrator

34
00:09:26.640 --> 00:09:41.440
at the end of the day. It rests with the commissioners. If that is a decision they want to make, just change the salary. That's always within their >> Okay, great. Thank you, Mr. Handler. Um, I just have a a quick statement of my expectations of what I would like to

35
00:09:41.440 --> 00:09:56.800
see. So, good afternoon. Thank you for being here. >> Uh, as we begin these interviews, I wanted to clearly frame the expectations that I have for the role of Plymouth County and where we stand right now is at a unique crossroads. [clears throat] We've proven ourselves

36
00:09:56.800 --> 00:10:12.880
to be national leaders in fis fiscal efficiency and stewardship specifically through our work with the federal relief funding of CARES and OPA. However, my vision for this county is not merely to maintain current operations, but to become more of a regional power uh in

37
00:10:12.880 --> 00:10:29.760
focusing on our relationships on the federal level. I'm looking for a county administrator who acts as an architect of the future. We're moving toward a [clears throat] model where the county leads a portfolio of complex multi-year regional infrastructure projects ranging

38
00:10:29.760 --> 00:10:45.680
from potential water quality through um my idea about uh anorobic digestion. To succeed, you must be willing to do three things. Number one, u be a strategic project manager. You will be managing a

39
00:10:45.680 --> 00:11:02.880
multiaceted portfolio and I need to know that you can handle the intense administrative demands of these projects while multitasking. Now you have some labor with you have some people that you can rely on. Second, if you could be a fiscal entrepreneur, our revenue

40
00:11:02.880 --> 00:11:18.320
structure is unique built on deeds excise and community assessments. You must be able to use our limited local dollars as seed capital to leverage significant state and federal uh monies. I [clears throat] need you to demonstrate how you can turn our proven

41
00:11:18.320 --> 00:11:34.240
reputation for efficiency into a financial advantage, ensuring that every project uh delivers a clear long-term re return of investment to our 27 communities. And f finally, you need to be a persistent coalition builder.

42
00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:49.920
Launching these initiatives requires more than just administrative skills. It requires navigating the state legislative process and winning the consensus of 27 distinct cities and towns or city and towns. I'm looking for a leader who can maintain political

43
00:11:49.920 --> 00:12:06.079
momentum across the budget cycles and ensure that every one of our member communities sees these regional projects as a shared success much the same way it was with Kes and OPA, not just an added layer of government. This role is not for a caretaker. It's for a leader who's

44
00:12:06.079 --> 00:12:21.600
prepared to commit to a 3 to five year vision. And I'm one of the questions will be, are you willing to commit to that schedule in terms of a minimum stay here at the county if we chose you? I need you to drive a legislative change and secure the infrastructure that will

45
00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:37.760
define the future of Plymouth County. So with that um that was just my statement of my expectations um for you and just I'll leave you a question. Number one, the strategic it's a strategic portfolio question. We're

46
00:12:37.760 --> 00:12:54.959
moving toward a model where the county leads these complex multi-year infrastructure initiatives. How do you manage the competing administrative demands of these long-term stretch projects while ensuring that our core operations remain

47
00:12:54.959 --> 00:13:10.160
efficient? >> So, in order to manage those long-term projects, I think that it's an incredible benefit to the county that we have an assistant county administrator as well, but making sure that there's proper communication through the entire organization, making sure that we are on we are on a pathway for success no

48
00:13:10.160 --> 00:13:26.880
matter what. Making sure that we're speaking to the department heads. I believe your car alarm might be going off. >> Is that mine? >> What? >> Sorry about that. >> Um, but back to what I was saying. I think that effective communication

49
00:13:26.880 --> 00:13:42.639
through the organization making sure that what flow what flows through the county administrator's office is trickles down into the department heads making sure that we have a plan for each and every department that is followed and to make sure that everyone knows where we need to be when we need to be there in order to meet those deadlines

50
00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:59.199
and as you said there's going to be major infrastructure projects going on with the county but making sure that there's clear leadership and clear followth through all the way down the organization is going to be key moving forward I think that we have a leadership team that would include myself and uh assistant administrator Vernazaro that would make certain that

51
00:13:59.199 --> 00:14:14.000
that would work that that flow would continue flawlessly throughout all departments of the county. >> Thank you Chris. >> Very good. Uh my expectations are um leadership and management, budgeting and financial management, community

52
00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:30.560
relations as I said before, strategic planning, operations and service delivery, ethics and accountability, vision uh and county specifics. My question to you is more related to uh budgeting financial management which uh would be what would be the role uh what

53
00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:46.079
should the role long-term financial planning play in government uh county government >> long-term financial planning in terms of in terms of the so I will take this I know that um Plymouth County currently has a surplus I think we need to make sure that each each and every year that

54
00:14:46.079 --> 00:15:01.199
we do our member communities many of them major a majority of them have experience having to go through overrides we don't have that same mechanism. We have a much different um setup here in Plymouth County. Um I think that making sure that we uh we always are financially afloat, making

55
00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:16.639
sure that we grow that surplus, that we make sure that I know one of the key points of the time that you've served as chair of this um commission is making sure that we look for additional revenue sources and I would be very much on the ball on that going forward. U making sure that we were able to do that. We have a very lean budget here in Plymouth

56
00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:33.199
County of 14.35 million this year. Some of our member communities are in the hundreds of millions of dollars and I think revenue generation and a concentration on that going forward is going to be the key that unlocks a lot of different opportunities for Plymouth County. That includes a long-term um structure. Also, as I believe we've

57
00:15:33.199 --> 00:15:48.560
discussed this with our member communities that we've been out in the field with, making sure that we can create um areas for partnerships that could generate additional revenue for Plymouth County. We could also save our um communities a great deal of money along the way. >> Good. Thank you so much. Uh any further

58
00:15:48.560 --> 00:16:04.240
questions with my commissioners for the first round that we've done? >> Um I do have a question. Uh Mr. Heening, can you discuss any positions you may have been a finalist for over the past two years?

59
00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:22.160
>> Um it was administrator and training for county. >> Thank you. And the followup to that was if so, why do you think you were not chosen? But you were chosen for that. So but not no other positions outside of the county. >> Not not for the last two well over two years. Commissioner Hanley. >> Thank you.

60
00:16:22.160 --> 00:16:39.040
Our revenue relies on a balance of deeds excise and community assessments. To fund ambitious projects, we must leverage these local dollars to attract external investment. Can you describe your experience in using local funds as seed capital to unlock larger grants and

61
00:16:39.040 --> 00:16:55.360
how you would articulate a return of investment to the member communities? I will say as a city councelor we've uh we've had um an interesting challenge in the town of we always um fell far behind our commercial um investment that we wish we had had um we're currently working on that but over the last 10

62
00:16:55.360 --> 00:17:10.799
years I've worked with um both uh both public investment and private investment in Union Point Southfield area to make we we actually granted a tiff to several businesses going going forward um just to spur um commercial life in certain quarters that we that had been um

63
00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:26.799
dormant of commercial um activity for years and years and years. Um and I think that making sure having that having a relationship with the private sector, making sure that we can um have a have a um conversation that um leads to a successful outcome on both sides of

64
00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:42.400
the board um is is the key to unlocking that unlocking that and making sure that we have revenue generation in Plymouth County as a result of that. As you said, we have an extremely lean budget and we want to grow that as much as humanly as much as the county possibly can. >> Thank you.

65
00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:57.760
Okay, very good. Now going to go for the second round of questioning. Um I guess I'll go first on this one here. Oh no, I did have a question for you. I'm sorry. Um how many years uh in public service have you actually done? >> Um so I've serve so this is I was sworn

66
00:17:57.760 --> 00:18:14.720
into the So that it's different on two different levels of public service. I've served as a city council since January 2nd um 2018. Yeah. >> So 2018. But I have a public service career that goes back to when I served as an intern for Congressman uh William Keading back in uh 2010 when he was

67
00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:29.679
first elected to Congress. Um so so it's about 16 years I've been directly involve been involved in some form of public service elected public service about eight and a half years in terms of uh public service um and having a a full-time job to that effect. Um that

68
00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:45.919
that has been since uh the 2000 2016 when I began working in the uh in the state senate for uh for the late senator Kendall. >> Great. Thank you. Okay. The next round of questions uh strategic planning. Uh what do you see um as the biggest

69
00:18:45.919 --> 00:19:01.200
challenge facing county government over the next five years? I think with with our I I do think that the number one challenge that we're going to be facing is revenue generation to make sure we have the we we have wonderful ideas of of what we want Plymouth County to grow into, but in

70
00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:17.840
order to do that, we're going to need revenue. Um we're going to need to grow our revenue base. I do think that um county government and um will face um that the revenue shortage now that the federal dollar is leaving. I also think that um what we did what was discovered

71
00:19:17.840 --> 00:19:33.280
during ARPA was the fact that we can partner with the federal government and not necessarily have the state government be involved. We can we can reach out to our members of Congress and assert ourselves in that way. There are counties all across America that um receive funding from the federal

72
00:19:33.280 --> 00:19:47.919
government. Plymouth County should be one of them as well. And I think that that is that's something we have to look at. I also think that we need to grow make sure that people know about programs in our in that are right here. The 4 program is a great example that they may not necessarily know about that

73
00:19:47.919 --> 00:20:04.400
that are a huge advantage for our youth that could that can be utilized in that way. But I do think revenue generation specifically for Plymouth County is going to be something we need to look at um very hard very hard um going forward. >> Commissioner Handler.

74
00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:19.679
Uh, this is my last question, so take it easy on you. Uh, securing the future of the county requires the winning support of our 27 member communities and navigating the state legislative processes. I know you served up at the state house and under

75
00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:35.679
Senator Donley. Um, what's your strategy for maintaining political momentum across multiple budget cycles for a project that may or may not come our way? I think that uh that that the most important thing is maintaining

76
00:20:35.679 --> 00:20:51.600
relationships with our delegation. We have a great legislative delegation on Beacon Hill. We have a great legislative dele delegation also federally. And I know that we've worked with um with Senator Brady. We've worked with Representative Linatra on projects. I think it's maintaining the the communication from this office to their

77
00:20:51.600 --> 00:21:08.400
offices. That is what is going to be be the successful pathway for that. making sure that when we need something that that is in the state budget and is it the state budget that you're referring to referring to or is it would it be our >> well honestly whatever revenue source we can have I mean for me it's grant

78
00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:24.480
writing is uh opportunities but also there could be earmarks that we ask for from our federal delegation uh and even from the state um I just think you we need to get money that helps the administrator you know perform the

79
00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:41.679
mission of creating more revenue. So whether it's, you know, acquiring property and then, you know, just doing exactly what you did on Belmont Street. I was glad to see that in your letter, $100,000 in revenue. That's that's pretty good, you know, and that's one example, you know. So I think it's good

80
00:21:41.679 --> 00:21:57.120
that you've been working with the chair going around meeting the community so you have a, you know, entry level uh perspective of where people are coming from. So if you're able to build consensus and maybe regionalize some of those thoughts into something concrete

81
00:21:57.120 --> 00:22:12.640
that benefits the member community and creates opportunity for us. If one thing we've learned administratively through cares and operas that we regionally are a powerhouse to be honest with you. We were recognized by Congress and we took the leadership role of combining four

82
00:22:12.640 --> 00:22:28.880
other counties to join us. So, you know, there may be opportunities in multi-county programs together. Um, so as long as you're willing to take on the the mantle, >> I I am more than willing to do that. I know it's something that has a conversation that both Mr. Bowser and I

83
00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:44.720
and Teresa and I have both had the reaching out uh regionally, reaching out to the the other counties, reaching out to our legislative delegation, which we've done over the course of the the last seven months, making sure on on a host of different topics as well, making sure that we not just with the uh the

84
00:22:44.720 --> 00:23:00.960
principal members, not just not just Senator Brady, but his staff and Representative Lumatra's staff as well. We have a wonderful working relationship now with Congressman Keading. Uh we we just recently had a uh meeting with them just a few months ago and um former Senator Gito was actually here. Now he's uh he's serving Bridgewwater State

85
00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:16.000
University. But having those relationships unlocks a lot of potential. It opens a lot of doors for Plymouth County and what can happen here and I think that uh under as with me and Teresa working as the leadership of the county, I think that we we are the team that could get that done.

86
00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:33.039
>> Thank you, Chris. >> Mr. Bol, >> thank you. And I'm glad you mentioned the staff. uh Mr. Heft because as [snorts] a former legislative staffer myself, I think you and I both intimately know that at staff is a lot of what drives um the goals of our of our colleagues and friends. Um there's

87
00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:49.039
been a lot of talk about revenue and uh I'll borrow a line uh that the county while its revenue source is generally not as stable say as tax revenue although granted tax revenue across all levels of government can be wildly unstable based on the atmosphere the

88
00:23:49.039 --> 00:24:04.159
economic conditions that are out there. Ours is actually somewhat easier to predict uh when you consider that the real estate market is something that can be generally projected. It's something that um you can get a pretty good handle on. Uh you mentioned I think in your opening remarks or somebody did and I

89
00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:21.039
apologize uh for forgetting who uh that the county has currently turned backtoback fiscal years of uh surplus. Now in that uh the the the the cause of that surplus has been um not generally finding new revenue sources although we

90
00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:36.880
have the wood lot and others that have existed and come online but it has also been in hold in line in some aspects as it relates to the spending and how we've been allocating resources uh within the present revenue structure. Um so with that in mind, with spending in mind, if

91
00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:52.960
you had, again, we have the surplus as it presently exists. Um how do you see a path forward within the next several years of solidifying uh that surplus? And then I guess a followup, so two-part question. How would you solidify that surplus? If you think it needs

92
00:24:52.960 --> 00:25:09.120
solidifying or if it already is, then what would you propose we do? What's an idea you would give us? Again, if we're turning several hundred,000 surpluses, that gives us the opportunity to bring regional programs online responsibly and slowly and grow them. But it allows us

93
00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:24.880
to get over the hurdle that we constantly see when trying to get our communities on board, which is we want you to do it, but we're not paying for it and we don't have the money to now either. Now, we are in a situation where we we we may have the money to pay for some of these things. So um so where do

94
00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:40.720
you see the present budget structure of the county uh solidifying that surplus and then going forward how would you solidify that and what would you do in terms of um a regional program? So I I think so in terms of where we are in in

95
00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:57.840
the budget in the budget cycle, it's working with the treasur's office, making sure that we myself as the administrator would have a a good working relationship with the treasur, which I believe we already have. Uh but in terms of the actual surplus the the surplus going on for years from now, uh

96
00:25:57.840 --> 00:26:14.159
I would take a conservative approach and I want to take a look at what we already have that's already working and growing that u the 4 program that's downstairs. We have a new position that's going to be added to that will may be added to that based on who applies. I think we need to grow the programs that we currently have. I would love to see some communications. I know that we were

97
00:26:14.159 --> 00:26:30.559
before before this board just um about a month and a half ago looking for a communications intern. I'd love to potentially have a part-time communications person making sure that we're getting the information of programs that we already have out to the public. I would hate to see us try to start something brand new from scratch

98
00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:46.720
and not be able to to full to have a full build out of it. Um so I think if we grow the grow what we already have which is we have I I we sat down with the uh a few town administrators and a selectman who were literally blown away a few a few weeks ago blown away by the

99
00:26:46.720 --> 00:27:01.919
programs that he had never heard of they had never heard of. um that and I think being able to have a full buildout of those programs and an expansion of those programs potentially is the most important thing and brainstorming for the future. I believe that government exist it exists to inspire but it and to

100
00:27:01.919 --> 00:27:17.760
inspire what we can do. Politics is the art of the possible. We need to see what is possible for Plymouth County. We need to take the next step and take it to the next level. And I believe in the post ARPA era we can do that. And I think that being conservative, being careful about what we're doing, making sure that

101
00:27:17.760 --> 00:27:33.360
if we get into a territory that we've never that we have never quite dealt with before, that could that could be an expensive undertaking. But growing the programs that we have now, creating a strong base for ourselves is going to only benefit us down the line. As Commissioner Hanley said, I know that

102
00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:49.120
Commissioner Hanley brought up a three to five year period. That's how long I'd be willing to stay. I'd be willing to stay to see this through. It's not going to happen overnight. It's not going to happen to tomorrow the progress that we're all going to see. But if we build the strongest foundation possible that is the highest opportunity for growth

103
00:27:49.120 --> 00:28:04.720
that's going to give us the greatest probability for growth. So I hope that answers your question. >> It does. And I do have just one more madam chair and then that'll be all my questions for Mr. Hefernon. Um it's a two-part question again. A shortfall about yourself and a fun fact about yourself. What was the first I had to end it

104
00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:20.640
>> a shortfall or something that maybe you feel um I hate using the word shortfall but just something um where's something you feel you could opportunity or you feel you looking at yourself could use improvement on but then also um what's something you strive in and something

105
00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:36.799
that's kind of a fun fact about yourself. So, a in terms of a shortfall, I would I would have to say sometimes I uh get a little too detailed, get a little too in my own mind about things, but I think that also is a uh it's a blessing in disguise. Uh because I I'm I'm very I I like to think think things

106
00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:52.240
through. I think about how it's going to affect people and what what what happens down the line. So, I'm a thoughtful person, but that that could be a double-edged sword sometimes. Uh in terms of a in in terms of something that uh would probably be a great attribute, I truly care about people. I wouldn't

107
00:28:52.240 --> 00:29:07.679
have gotten into this business had I not. I want to see I want to see my town succeed. I want to see this county succeed. I want to make sure that this team is able to reach its potential, which I think it is right now. And whatever is next for us, I think we can do it together. I think I I want to make sure that the people that work here are

108
00:29:07.679 --> 00:29:23.600
happy, that they want to come to Plymouth County every day because we have a mission in sight and that we're working together to do that. And I really believe that that we can work together as a team. I believe in teamwork. I think that we I I truly want Plymouth, whether it's me as administrator or someone else, I want

109
00:29:23.600 --> 00:29:40.320
Plymouth County to set the standard for what county government can be and what government can achieve because we've seen too many pe too many people become discouraged. And I think I shared this with you, Madam Chair. Too many people have been discouraged about government. They don't want to be involved. They don't vote. They don't want to be involved in the process. And what we can

110
00:29:40.320 --> 00:29:56.080
show them is government can work. Government can benefit your life. Government can benefit your community and make it better. and we can restore public trust and public confidence right here in Plymouth County. And if I'm administrator, I at least want to make a try at doing that. >> Thank you. >> I'll add one more thing in the uh what

111
00:29:56.080 --> 00:30:12.080
he just said is he always said that, you know, it makes a difference locally and and in governing how it works. That's local. >> Yes. And I I think that that that people people will if we're going to rebuild public confidence in in American government, it's going to start on the

112
00:30:12.080 --> 00:30:28.559
local level. Um, we'll start with you, Mr. Hanley. >> I'm all set, Madam Chair. >> You're all set. No more questions. >> I'm all set, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> Um, I do have another question, maybe two. Um, so how do you believe that

113
00:30:28.559 --> 00:30:43.760
federal funding is the better source versus state? And would you focus specifically on grants? And the other question is, why do you think that we should consider you? So I mean is I'll answer the first

114
00:30:43.760 --> 00:31:00.640
question and uh in terms of so when ARPA was coming through the American Rescue Plan was coming through there was a language in that piece of legislation that led that let it default to the counties at in the beginning it was being the state of Massachusetts I believe you sent each member of the executive commission the administrator

115
00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:15.679
and the treasur a letter demanding that that uh money be rerouted to the state um because they believed that that was the best course of action. Plymouth County took a different path and it ended up being a successful and landmark path for Plymouth County. I

116
00:31:15.679 --> 00:31:31.679
think that making sure that we're a that Plymouth County is an entity that can compete on Capitol Hill and is known as as a receiver of funds that is responsible, keeps up that reputation, pro proves that it wasn't just a one-time uh event. I think that that and

117
00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:47.519
the federal bills that come through are hugely very they're massive amounts of money. the housing bill that the president was supposed to uh sign the other day is a massive piece of legislation that's going to affect housing across America. There's no reason that Plymouth County can't be considered to house the the money from

118
00:31:47.519 --> 00:32:04.159
that from that bill because we've proven we can. And I think that making sure that that we're a part of that that we're not shielded from it from the state and we see that money maybe years down the line or we see a fraction of that money several years down the line. We need to put ourselves forward in

119
00:32:04.159 --> 00:32:19.919
terms of why I should be should be considered. I I think that this position is is ultimately about stewardship. It's about earning trust. I've not that it's not through words, but through execution. I think over the last seven months that I've served with Mr. Basler

120
00:32:19.919 --> 00:32:36.960
and Ms. Verizaro that um I've learned an awful lot. I've been exposed to a workplace that I have actually enjoyed to and it's a thrill to actually be at the helm of government and see how how the what it can affect what it what what can be done and I'm inspired by what we

121
00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:53.120
can do together. I really am. And I've I've served I'm I'm an elected official as I said I would I have a I have a passion for this for this type of work that I believe I would be here for three to five years going forward. I I truly believe that Plymouth we can get

122
00:32:53.120 --> 00:33:08.399
Plymouth County to the point where we're recognized constantly by the the in the United States of America as the leading county government, the gold standard county government. And I would be excited to do that work. I believe I have the pedigree to do so through my resume, through my experiences in life and through the experiences that I've

123
00:33:08.399 --> 00:33:26.000
had here the last seven to eight months working um with our current county administrator who has been here for 11 years. And I believe that I would I would be I I would I would I I would be excited for the to take up the challenge and work with all of you going forward into the next chapter we we have.

124
00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:41.519
>> Thank you so much. >> And I did uh I I did u put a closing statement together if that absolutely >> throughout my career approach public service with a simple philosophy to listen, prepare, act professionally, and always remember who you serve. Over the

125
00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:57.760
past seven months, I've had the privilege of working alongside this commission, our department heads, our employees. That experience reinforced my belief that Plymouth County has an exceptional foundation even greater future ahead of it. If selected, you will have an administrator who understands that leadership begins with service, who believes accountability is

126
00:33:57.760 --> 00:34:13.520
a daily responsibility, non-annual report, and who will work every day to ensure this organization operates with professionalism, responsibility, transparency, and a respect for the public trust. I am prepared to devote my full energy, experience, and commitment to helping

127
00:34:13.520 --> 00:34:30.480
this count commission achieve its vision for Plymouth County. Not not by seeking the spotlight, but by making sure the work gets done. Thank you again for your time, your consideration, and for the confidence you already placed in me during my service administrator and training. It's been an honor to serve in

128
00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:46.919
that capacity, and I would be honored to continue serving as your county administrator. And if there's any further questions, happy to answer them. >> Thank you so much, Chris. I learned a little bit more about you. >> Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Commissioners, thank you for the Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.

129
00:34:48.960 --> 00:35:10.960
>> Okay. >> So, do we recess or? >> Yep. >> The next uh candidate is scheduled for five. Maybe here a little early. We could continue on uh as soon as he arrives. That's absolutely >> we should go off air or

130
00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:26.320
>> uh if we go off air we'll uh I won't be able to continue. Um so it'll just uh we'll mute. >> Okay. >> And um I'll go to black screen and then we'll return once done.

131
00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:42.320
>> That's not a problem. Thank you. >> Very good. Before you do that, just um gather recess. >> We're in. So motion to recess. >> All right. >> So move, Madam Chair. >> Okay. >> Is there a second? >> Yep. Second.

132
00:35:42.320 --> 00:37:05.599
Uh motion by uh Commissioner Hanley, second by Commissioner Alenzola. All in favor? >> I hate using that. It is uh positive. Awesome. Awesome. What's

133
00:37:06.480 --> 00:37:22.240
up, Thomas? Not >> too much, Gregory. How are you? >> Good. Good. >> Relaxed. >> Why? >> A long day today. I was hustling today. >> I was up to Wilmington and then down to Fair Haven and then to

134
00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:38.240
Fair Haven's beautiful. >> I couldn't believe the traffic from the Zikum Bridge all the way down to Hangingham in Route Three. >> Oh, I believe >> it was crazy. It was like noon time >> and this is uh Monday. Monday. So they're usually coming from the Cape and

135
00:37:38.240 --> 00:37:52.880
going home. >> Yeah. >> Or going down south. Yeah. >> Can't get anywhere these days at any time. >> 247. >> Maybe 3:00 a.m. might be >> I'm usually up at 3:00 a.m.

136
00:37:52.880 --> 00:38:12.680
>> Yeah. >> You have anything big planned for the fourth? probably go over to Matty's on on the third. You know, he does a man. >> Yeah. >> Question is, is it going to rain? >> We're still on a hot bike.

137
00:38:13.836 --> 00:38:18.200
[laughter] >> Is it going to rain this weekend?