Framingham Seeks Change At Top To Attract Business
Framingham serves as the headquarters for some of the region's largest corporations, including TJX, Bose and Staples.
But Jason Smith, chairman of the Framingham Board of Selectmen, says the town isn't doing enough to attract and retain businesses.
In an effort to bring a fresh perspective to the town's economic development efforts, the board voted 4-to-1 last month to not extend town manger Julian Suso's contract.
Instead, board officials will search for a new town manager and Smith said the number one priority for the town's next manager will be charting a new course for attracting and retaining businesses in the town.
Parting Ways
Five years ago officials from Framingham recruited Suso from Ohio to serve as town manager in Framingham.
Smith said the decision not to renew Suso's contract came down to a simple difference of opinion in where the board sees the community going.
In a letter posted on the town of Framingham's website, Suso wrote that he acknowledges and respects the decision of the board.
"Clearly there have been differences of opinion relating to my professional management philosophy and style, as well as conflicts over the boundaries of policy and administration that sometimes occur in local government between town managers and some members of boards of selectmen," Suso writes, adding that he is proud of his accomplishment during his tenure.
Click here to read the full letter.
Smith said while other communities have been successful in attracting new businesses to the community, Framingham has fallen behind.
"I think a lot of projects haven't seen themselves come to fruition," he said. "Everyone has been in a tough climate, but during that time other towns have had success in attracting new business, so that shows that there is potential in the market."
Moving forward, Smith said the town has potential to attract new businesses to the community. Specifically, infrastructure improvements are being made to the Framingham Technology Park, where Genzyme has its campus. Smith said that site could host even more new businesses in town.
Plus, he said there should be a renewed effort to stay in touch with the town's bigger businesses and develop relationships with them.
Not all members of the board are pleased with the decision.
Ginger Esty, another board member, cast the lone vote to support renewing Suso's contract.
Esty said she's been impressed by Suso during this five years on the job.
"He's a professional leader who did everything we asked of him, and more," she said. "Now, we have to start all over."
Smith said each of the five board members will have an opportunity to appoint two members to a 10-person search committee that will lead the search for a new town manager. Local officials are mulling the idea of using an outside consultant firm to aid in the process.
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