How did I get to Winsted?

Last week I shared with you my background prior to my arrival in Winsted. So how did I get to Winsted?After my termination from Davison, Mich., I made the decision that, based upon the terrible economic situation in Michigan, I would, for the first time in my career, look for employment in another state.The primary impetus for this decision was my three daughters. With my ex-wife remaining in Michigan for the foreseeable future, the girls would always have educational and employment opportunities in that state. If I moved to a different state, I could perhaps develop additional such opportunities for them elsewhere.I used the resources of my professional organization, the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA), to primarily apply to smaller communities throughout the country.In addition to manager positions in the smaller communities, I also applied for assistant manager or other staff positions in larger communities. All in all, I probably applied to close to 120 communities, typically competing against another 50 to 100 other applicants.I was selected for interviews in several communities: Thorne Bay, Ala.; St. Clair, Mo.; Greenwood, Del.; Hoyt Lakes, Min.; Orono, Maine; Windcrest, Texas; New Buffalo, Mich.; Cheboygan, Mich.; and Bellow Falls, Vt.Traveling to those communities was fascinating. In some instances I flew, but I enjoyed driving to many of the towns. Sitting in the various restaurants and listening to the people talk, I found it interesting that many of the issues are common despite the distances between everyone: lack of confidence in the federal and state governments, medical costs, retirement savings and costs, personal finances.From that perspective, Winsted is not unique: Others everywhere are struggling with so many of the same issues.What was most surprising, and, again, not unique to Winsted, is the excitement and optimism that exists at the local level. Yes, significant differences exist everywhere, but, for the most part, local people strongly believe that their community will be fine and that prosperity will return.My first impressions when I visited those communities were telling. In some of the towns, I knew immediately that something was not connecting with me, and that it would not be a good fit for me. That was not to say that the communities were bad — far from it. Nearly all of them were solid and successful. My gut instinct, though, said keep looking. In only one or two instances was I truly disappointed to have not been selected for final consideration.I had previously responded to the Winsted notice seeking town manager applicants, but had not been selected for further review (due to my out-of-state background). When I saw the position re-posted, I re-emphasized my desire to serve in a setting like Winchester, and, this time, I was invited to an online interview with the Board of Selectmen.That was in early February, and I was also scheduled for a visit and interview in Bellows Falls, Vt. My brother had just secured a job working with 20th Century-Fox in Greenwich, and he was residing in Danbury. I drove to his place for Super Bowl weekend. Then, on my drive north to Vermont on the following Monday, I made my first visit to Winsted.I found the setting very attractive, but I didn’t feel a strong draw at the time. I could envision many re-development opportunities and partnerships, but something just didn’t connect. I received a quick tour of Town Hall and met several staff in passing, but as I left and headed north to Vermont, I remember telling some friends that my first impression was nothing remarkable.After my online interview, I was invited to return for a formal interview. It was during this interview that I began to feel a sense of enthusiasm and optimism in the community. I was given tours that showed me many of the town’s assets and strengths. I became excited about serving the community and living in such a beautiful area.When I was offered the position, I had other interviews scheduled in both Wisconsin and Iowa. The opportunity here required a relatively immediate response. I accepted the offer and, with no afterthoughts or regrets, I cancelled my remaining interviews and began preparations to move to Connecticut.I have met many of you, and look forward to meeting more. Nearly everyone cautions me about the political environment here — that I will get frustrated and leave.I hope my enthusiasm and passion for my adopted town is evident. It is truly genuine. I want to be a part of this community for a long time, and I look forward to building upon the strengths, overcoming the challenges, and making Winchester an even more attractive and wonderful place to live, work, and play.P.S. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Dale Martin is the town manager of Winchester.