On Thursday, Sept. 1, the public had an opportunity to meet the three finalists vying for the position of Barrington town manager. One of the three in contention will replace current manager Peter DeAngelis, who is retiring in October after 12 years on the job.

Should current council hire new manager?

The candidates, all with different styles, backgrounds and work experience, each gave an introductory statement and answered questions from the audience of about 20 citizens. The candidates had a time allotment of 30 minutes each.

The Barrington Town Council, acting as search committee, reviewed approximately 40 applications for the position. After interviews with eight of the applicants, the search was narrowed down to William R. Riccio, Jr., James J. Cunha and Michael P. Maniscalco.

William R. Riccio, Jr.

William Riccio is presently the director of public services for the City of Newport. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a master of science in civil and environmental engineering, he is a professional engineer registered with the state. Mr. Riccio manages 64 full-time employees and 120 seasonal employees. He is responsible for a $14 million operating budget and an approximate $5-$10-million capital budget annually.

He spent 17 years as project manager and highway engineer for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

John Taylor, of Fales Avenue and former director of the Barrington Recreation Department, said one of his biggest concerns with the future of the town was managing the budget and asked how Mr. Riccio would tackle that issue.

“I oversee, develop and negotiate a $12 million budget and oversee 8 divisions. I look into finding better ways we can do things to save money. I never consider going into the red. I will find six nickels out of a quarter every day of the week,” he said.

Mr. Riccio said he has overseen capital expenditures as well, including the city’s school department and been a leader on maintenance of “hard” properties.

“My job would be finding ways to do a little more for the betterment of the taxpayers of Barrington,” he said.

Arthur Richter of Lorraine Street asked Mr. Riccio if he had direct experience working with the equivalent of Barrington’s 5-person town council system.

“In Newport I am one of a handful of directors under the city manager. I have acted as city manager at times. I have had lots of contact with the council through the manager. There is a proper chain of command that respects the office,” he said.

Matthew Amaral, of Devonshire Drive and the owner of Grapes & Grains as well being the chairman of the Barrington Business Association, asked what Mr. Riccio thought of the business community in Barrington.

“I have been spending time in town and have looked at the comprehensive plan. I see an extreme sense of pride, especially in the center of town. I like the banners that engage both the businesses and residents,” he said.

An avid bicyclist, Mr. Riccio lives in Johnston.

James J. Cunha

James Cunha, a Barrington resident, is a retired United States Navy Captain with a vast resume of operational leadership, human and financial management.

His opening remarks were broken down into three areas: introduction, qualifications and reasons for seeking the position.

A Rhode Island native, he was the oldest of eight children raised in East Providence. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he was an instillation specialist for the Navy and throughout his career moved many times, including stints in San Diego and Iceland. He has been involved with Boy Scouts for more than 40 years. He and his wife have two sons.

He said that he is well-versed on the school system and is qualified for the town manager position through his experience in finance, planning, personnel management and public safety and leadership.

“My style is adaptable with an open door policy. I believe in accountability and am a mentor and motivator,” he said.

He is seeking the position to continue as a civic leader, to make a difference and continue the sense of community pride, he said.

John Taylor asked Mr. Cunha if his military background fits in to public service management.

“There is a misnomer about military leaders and authority. It’s not like they portray in movies and on television. Leaders today don’t act that way. With the operation of anything, leadership is through communication, trust and being approachable. I am always open for discussion,” he said.

Mary Alice Gasbarro, former town council president and Robbins Drive resident, asked if he could handle an "angry mob" at town meeting or while sitting at the manager’s desk during town council meetings.

“It's about building trust and communication — speaking honestly and hear what people have to say. I have dealt with civilian personnel and through communication they understand why certain decisions are made,” he said.

Mr. Amaral asked the same question to Mr. Cunha regarding the business community.

“Barrington has limited resources to grow the tax base. We have to look at other opportunities to match up with the community and its culture. We need to look at the right growth and the quality of life for our citizens," he said.

Richard Staples, of Middle Street, asked Mr. Cunha if he was familiar with the town’s comprehensive plan.

“I have read the comprehensive plan and it’s a good plan. I and have attended appropriation meetings and am familiar with the budget process. The housing issue needs to be addressed and we may not be able to meet the state mandates. Diversity is a good thing but we need to maintain the quality and culture of the town,” he said.

Michael P. Maniscalco

Michael Manisalco is currently the town manager in East Hampton, Conn. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history and American Indian studies and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. He grew up in Trumbell, Conn.

In his role as town manager he oversees a $10 million general government budget and an overall $41 million budget.

Peter Dennehy, a resident of Hanson Drive and candidate for a a seat on the town council in November, asked Mr. Maniscalco how his community of East Hampton compares to Barrington.

“We have a $94,000 median income and an 85 percent residential tax base. We have two manufacturing companies — a bell factory and a witch hazel company — the only one in world. So any products you have that contain witch hazel, that ingredient was made in East Hampton,” he said.

Kristen Westmoreland of the BAY Team asked how he would handle the state’s regionalizing of prevention coalitions.

“We have a substance abuse prevention board and I just secured a $150,000 per year grant for them. You have to look at all the moving parts and give up some control; when you regionalize. You have to go out and look for the money,” he said.

Arthur Richter asked Mr. Maniscalco why he was interested in moving to Barrington and taking the manager’s position.

“It’s the perfect time for my family. My wife and I have a 3-year old daughter and my wife is working on her doctorate. We’d like to settle before our daughter goes to school and my wife starts working. East Hampton is beautiful but a bit too rural,” he said.

Matt Amaral again asked about the business climate in Barrington.

“I noticed that the town of Barrington is not listed as a member of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce. I find that odd. There are ways to solve financial issues without Wal-mart’s and Targets down the main street. More mom and pop, homegrown businesses and ways to connect residential and business areas are solutions we have come up with in East Hampton. I have a great deal of economic development experience,” he said.

In a statement following the interviews, Mr. Amaral said:

“The three finalist that were vetted down from the 40 applicants are solid candidates. It was smart of the town council to hold public interviews with them. I believe the council will vote to hire the best match for the town today and for future generations.”