Easton Planning Director Leaves to Take Job With State

The loss of a planning director will leave Easton's Planning Department short handed this summer.

Town Administrator David Colton told Selectmen Monday night that has left Easton to take a job with the state as the Assistant Director in the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

Colton said a hiring process for a new Planning Director will take place in September. In the mean-time, Land Use Agent Stephanie Danielson will assume the role.

"I think we’ll be fine," Colton said. "They’re going to be short handed and they will certainly have their hands full."

Colton said he decided to hold off on hiring a new Planning Director because the summer will be a difficult to recruit.

"I just think its not a good time - this time of year - to recruit," he said. "People who might be looking for this type of position probably aren’t paying attention and they’re worried about their summer vacation"

He said once the town begins to recruit, he doesn't expect finding qualified candidates to be difficult.

"The town has developed an excellent reputation out there among people who are looking for public jobs," he said.

Board of Selectmen Chair Colleen Corona praised Washburn's work on the many planning projects he has been involved with since coming to Easton.

Specifically, she pointed to the Shovel Shop project, which will be recognized with a ground breaking ceremony Friday at 10 a.m.

"He did an incredible amount of work while he was here," Corona said. "I’d rather have someone here for a short time who works as hard as Brad did."