Wow, it’s pretty weird when you get an anonymous tip and it happens to be right.

Christopher Ryan is Mayor John Moak’s choice for Planning Director for Newburyport, Massachusetts.

I emailed my anonymous tipster, who isn’t from around here, but in the planning and development world somewhere out there in web-land.

My anonymous tipster emailed me back, and I hope it’s ok with “him/her” (I didn’t ask) but I’m going to quote the email instead of paraphrasing it.

“I don’t know him (Christopher Ryan) personally. I don’t even know him by reputation.

I always find it strange when someone leaves a job before he/she is officially hired in a new position—especially when all Mayor Moak can do is make a recommendation to the City Council.

Your original analysis is correct. It is a big leap from being a “Town Planner” in a suburban town to a “City Planner” in a complex, interesting, politically charged small city. I wonder if he has managed a staff before.

Moak must have demonstrated to this fellow that he had the votes to get him approved. If not, this fellow could be bit naïve to assume he has it locked up, especially given the Nick Cracknell situation. Perhaps he might not even be aware of the circumstances surrounding Nick Cracknell’s departure or the emerging Moak backlash.

As you indicated in your blog –this fellow better be good.

It would be very interesting to see who did not make the final cut –I would have to assume that Newburyport should be able to attract marquee talent for this job.”

As I learn more, I will let the readers of the Newburyport Political Blog know what I know.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport