Watson looking forward to new challenges as town manager

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    DEXTER — The Dexter Town Council didn’t have to go very far to find a new town manager. They unanimously voted last week to hire Town Clerk Shelley L. Watson.
    There were 22 candidates for the position, Town Councilor Alan Wintle said.

    According to a press release from the town council, Watson was “selected for several reasons. She has worked in the town office since 1987 and for the last 17 years as town clerk. She demonstrates great leadership qualities and knows what the town needs in the way of economic development. She takes her oath and duties honestly and seriously.”
    Wintle added that her knowledge of town office procedures “was also a big plus. I’m very pleased at the way this worked out.”
    Watson, 59, will begin her new duties on Dec. 1 at a base salary of $55,000 per year. Her first order of business was to promote Deputy Town Clerk Kim Hughes to town clerk. “She will also serve as office manager, so front office hiring decisions will be up to her,” Watson said.
    Even though she’s worked for six different administrators, dating back to Steve Whitesel in the 1980s, Watson said that she had never applied for the town manager’s job before. “I really enjoyed my job as town clerk, so I had no reason to apply,” Watson said.
    But after former Town Manager Linda-Jean Briggs departed last month, Watson said that some town councilors and several residents asked her to apply for the position. “My daughter, Loren, even convinced me to apply,” Watson said with a smile. “She basically said ‘Mom, it’s your time.’ So here I am.”
    Watson said that her familiarity with the department heads is a big plus. “Many of our employees have been with us for years, so it makes for a smoother transition,” she noted.
    Dexter’s population is 3,895, according to the 2010 census. In addition to emergency services, public utilities and a highway department, the town also has a municipal golf course, public library, airport and numerous recreational activities. It’s part of School Administrative District 46 and Alternate Organizational Structure (AOS) 94.