Oh boy folks. The Town of Walpole appears to be seeking a new Town Planner. This is from the Massachusetts Municipal Association website.

I got to tell you that I am a little confused as to why the Walpole Town Planner is a candidate for the Newburyport job. Not to be cynical here, but does Christopher Ryan still have the job? And why did Mr. Ryan leave? And to be really, really cynical has the job as Newburyport Planning Director already been promised to Christopher Ryan? Wow.

Here is the information that has been posted on the Massachusetts Municipal Association website:

*Town Planner*

Town of Walpole

Walpole seeks individuals for Town Planner position. Works under direction of Planning Board. Highly technical, administrative work in planning, organizing and coordinating the programs that shape short/long-range land-use/community development needs of Town. Works with Planning Board to rewrite Town’s Zoning Bylaws. Assists in research, preparation and administrations of proposals/ grants for applicable governmental/private funding sources. Bachelor’s degree in land-use/urban planning or closely related field with 2 years municipal planning experience required. Master’s degree in urban planning/related field; AICP certification preferred. Knowledge of urban/regional planning principles/practices, zoning laws and comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption/enforcement. Knowledge of civil engineering, architecture, graphic presentation as applied to planning, economic, sociological and environmental aspects of planning. Knowledge of GIS. $57,846-$66,447. Send cover letter with resume to Town of Walpole, Personnel, 135 School St., Walpole, MA 02081 by 8/31/06. (posted 7/25, exp. 8/25)

http://www.mma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1114&Itemid=191

The posting is also on the Town of Walpole’s website: http://walpole-ma.gov/JobPost.htm

Mary Eaton
Newburyport