Shaun Suhoski, Town Administrator, Town of Sturbridge
Suhoski
After working in Ayer for more than a decade as director of community and economic development and then town administrator, Shaun Suhoski has moved to a different part of Central Massachusetts. He's now the town administrator for Sturbridge. In this Q&A, he talks about how permitting needs to work smoothly for businesses and about playing keyboard in his spare time.
Vital Stats:
Age: 45
Residence: Gardner
Family: Four children
Education: Bachelor's, Fitchburg State College; law degree, New England Law, Boston
Previous job: Town administrator in Ayer
Start date at new job: April 12
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. I am very impressed with the commitment and professionalism of the town's staff. They have made my transition go very smoothly and I am already beginning to feel acclimated to the town. Sturbridge really is a wonderful and vibrant community.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. Being a calm but guiding force in decision-making by the selectmen and development boards in town. Small towns universally struggle with how best to manage growth of the tax base without compromising the historic character and charm of the community. Sturbridge is no different. I'm hopeful that my background in community and economic development will be an asset to the town as it completes and implements its new master plan.
Q. How far is your commute to the office?
A. Fifty minutes door-to-door. The main difference is instead of the Route 2 corridor, I'm passing through the hills and dales of small Central Massachusetts towns on my daily commute. Instead of looking at cars I look at cows. And, it's just enough time to enjoy coffee in the morning and to unwind in the evening.
Q. What could local and state governments do to make things better for your business?
A. This question is intended for the private sector to give us municipal folks some guidance. But, from my perspective, in order to do any form of business you need to have clarity of process including roles, responsibilities and timelines for decisions. The Devens Enterprise Commission and MassDevelopment have made "75-day permitting" a battle call for doing business at Devens. Yet, here in Sturbridge, the average permitting period is 45 days. That is not a misprint. Local officials need to know that time is indeed money when it comes for decision-making. Take a hard look at the proposal, make comments, revisions and suggestions. But, most importantly, make a timely decision. Public servants are supposed to be here to serve.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. Lunch is probably my favorite time of the day! Sturbridge is blessed with many restaurants and eateries due to its heavy tourism base. Thus far, I've been partial to Paolletti's and Giovanello's on Route 131, and to Micknuck's on Main Street (Route 20), as they all have affordable and tasty lunch specials.
Q. Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
A. I enjoy getting involved in youth sports with my sons, reading the news, and general socializing. I have also played keyboards in various musical groups for more than 25 years throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Q. What's on your to-do list for the next couple of days?
A. Sturbridge is busy! Some key items: complete site plan review comments for the new Burgess Elementary School, wrap up contract negotiations with the DPW union, seek quotes for a new phone system for the renovated Town Hall and start planning the return move, meet with the land use development review team, attend a regional town administrator luncheon to meet my new colleagues, and, as always, prep for meetings of the board of selectmen. Just to name a few!
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