By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Town Council held a special meeting on July 9, a time usually reserved for summer recess, to approve the appointment of Town Accountant Stacy Blaisdell.
The open position comes as current Town Accountant Linda Catanzariti announced her retirement after over seven years on the job.
Town Manager Michael Borg introduced Blaisdell to the council on Wednesday night, calling it an “absolute honor and privilege.”
According to Borg, 13 candidates applied and were reviewed by a board consisting of himself, Assistant Town Manager Antonio Morabito, Human Resources Director Cheryl Butts and Treasurer Christopher Sweet. The list was then narrowed down to three finalists, of which Blaisdell was chosen as the best fit for the job.
“Stacy stood out quickly as someone that has a broad experience and background in accounting,” said Borg. “What really made her stand out is her understanding of SOPS, her ability to bring in policies and procedures and her understanding of customer service. . . and understanding as an accountant for the town, who your customers are.”
Bringing with her nearly two decades of experience at the federal level, Blaisdell most recently worked as a financial management specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prior to her start at FEMA—where Blaisdell oversaw a regional office of 300 staff members, certified over $70 million yearly for grants and expenses and managed funding and forecasts for over 70 contracts—Blaisdell worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs as an accountant.
“Federal service has taught me to be both detail-oriented and adaptable, which are essential to managing municipal finances effectively,” said Blaisdell. “I feel well prepared to take on the challenges of this role and to ensure the town’s finances are handled with the highest level of care and professionalism.”
Despite a glowing review from Borg, Town Councilor Laura Wagner spoke out with serious concerns, and was the only councilor to vote “no” on the appointment that resulted in 7-1 in favor of Blaisdell. Wagner pointed to Blaisdell not having a municipal accounting certificate as a reason she wasn’t qualified, and said she was worried about a lack of knowledge of Massachusetts general laws.
“This is a very serious position and I’m not seeing specific municipal experience,” said Wagner. “Honestly, I think that takes years to develop.”
No other councilors echoed Wagner’s specific concerns, and Councilor John Simmons said he felt the opposite about bringing in someone without experience at a town level. Simmons looked back on the hiring of Borg, who also did not have specific municipal experience, as an example of how hiring from different sectors can be a positive.
“Actually, I’m looking for someone to look at it from a different perspective,” said Simmons. “I look forward to seeing possible new approaches to things we face.”
Councilors Dan Donovan, Mark Gould and Council President Justin Pare also spoke in favor of Blaisdell’s appointment, with Borg explaining that there is a requirement for Blaisdell to get the appropriate certifications within three years, and the town will do everything to support this.
“The underlying skills that we’re looking for with an accountant, Stacy possesses them,” said Donovan. “She’s dealing with a lot more money at FEMA than she will be at the town of North Attleborough, so I don’t see anything in her resume that raises any red flags to me. There’s a learning curve whenever you take on a new position, but I think Stacy seems like a very qualified candidate.”
Blaisdell has also dedicated her time to a local nonprofit, serving as the treasurer for the parent-teacher group at her son’s school, Roosevelt Elementary. Living with her two sons and husband in North Attleborough for the past four years, Blaisdell told the North Star Reporter that she is genuinely excited to work for the same community that she has grown to love and call her home.
“There’s a unique sense of pride and purpose that comes with serving your own town,” said Blaisdell. “I know firsthand the impact that sound financial management can have on the quality of life in a community and I’m committed to making sure every dollar is used wisely.”