Having read today’s Newburyport Daily News, which was a little confusing, I’m guessing as to what may be happening with our planning director.

The good news is it sounds like Nick Cracknell would like to be re-appointed for another two years. The bad news (at least from my point of view) is that it doesn’t sound like Mayor John Moak has done that.

There is a huge list of pending projects (just the Perkins Mint and the Wheelwright House would be overwhelming enough) and it sounds like Nick Cracknell and the Mayor Moak discussed the scope of what is being done by the Planning Department for the City of Newburyport.

It also sounds like Nicholas Cracknell quite rightly would like a proper severance pay and is probably negotiating for that if he stays on for another 3 months or is “let go” during that period.

If he doesn’t get the proper severance pay for the “trial” period, it sounds like he will leave right away.

If the City does give him a guaranteed severance pay, it sounds like Nick Cracknell might stay on and work on the many, many projects that are going on in Newburyport.

Would Mayor John Moak be convinced to keep this very talented planning director if he does stay on for this “trial period?” If he isn’t giving him a two year contract now, having known Mr. Cracknell for the entire time that he’s been here, it sounds unlikely.

It seems very shortsighted and it makes me very sad.

Mary Eaton, Newburyport