Joe Voci, Public Works

Director, Resigns

Joe Voci, Randolph's first-ever director of public works, has resigned to take a similar position in nearby Hartford.

Voci will work through Aug. 12 said town officials, who pronounced them surprised and disappointed at the news. Voci has drawn considerable praise for his work. He started out in the water and sewer department and overhauled it substantially. Under his leadership, the occasional overflows at the sewage plant came to an abrupt halt, thanks to a number of different repairs and intervention procedures.

Voci's overall competence was recognized by acting Town Manager Bert Moffatt at the time, and when Town Manager Rick Schnaedter was hired, Moffatt noted that it would be easier for the new manager if one man handled all the public works—roads as well as water and sewer and solid waste. Voci was particularly well-qualified for such a position, Moffatt thought.

Selectboard Chair Jim Hutchinson said this week that Voci's strengths made it an easy decision to go to change the system to include a public works director. That has worked out so well, Hutchinson said, that the Town hopes to continue with that position. The position has been advertised. The salary will be commensurate with experience, he said. Voci has been paid in the "mid-40's," he said.

"This was very much of a blow," Hutchinson said. "It's been a fabulous addition and is key to a lot of things that we've done in town. He has such a broad range of knowledge."

Voci stressed yesterday that he is leaving purely from career considerations and not because of any dissatisfaction. The new job, as assistant public works in fast-growing Hartford, pays more, and it has enviable health benefits that carry into retirement, said Voci, who has a worrisome heart condition.

"Randolph is a wonderful town," he proclaimed. Indeed, Voci and his wife Teresa purchased a home in Randolph Center in early June, and they will continue to live there. "I hope I'm leaving it better than when I started.

"I want to thank everybody who put up with me," he said with a grin, "especially the workers on the force."