How many people are interested in being the next town manager in Barrington?

Plenty. 

According to sources, 47 people submitted applications for the Barrington Town Manager’s job. The town posted the opening about a month ago, following Jim Cunha’s announcement that he planned to retire on Dec. 31. In an earlier interview, Mr. Cunha said he enjoyed working for the town but felt this was a good time for him step down. 

Earlier this month, Mr. Cunha said there was a large number of applicants interested in the position.

“The vast majority are not qualified,” Mr. Cunha said, who was a veteran of the Navy before being hired as Barrington Town Manager. He has held the job for five years. 

Included among those who applied for the job was a manager for a fast food restaurant and a manager of a coffee shop. Mr. Cunha believes that those individuals may have been confused, thinking they were applying for a typical management position. He also thinks that the posted salary for the job — between $140,000 and $160,000 — attracted some applicants.

The town accepted applications through Friday, Oct. 15. The job posting on the town’s website said that candidates needed to be enthusiastic about participating and being very active in community civic organizations, should have a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, economics or a related field, and have five to seven years of “progressively reasonable experience in municipal government.”

Officials were expected to conduct an initial review of applications on Oct. 6. 

Mr. Cunha said members of the Barrington Town Council will conduct interviews later this month. He expected the council would hold a public meeting with the finalists for the position.

He said it is extremely important to allow the public to interact with the candidates prior to making a final decision.