In South Kingstown, we have been able to successfully develop a relationship with the School Committee. That allowed us to work very cooperatively during the budget.

Based on the level and openness of communication, we have been able to create a good rapport (with the South Kingstown School Committee). When the council makes budget decisions, we ask the School Committee for a list of programs that would be impacted and specifically where they will have to cut back.

The role of a town administrator is to provide factual information for elected policy makers to make rational and informed decisions. It is incumbent on the administrator to present the most accurate information.

I encourage people to bring ideas to the table. I'm very much a listener and keep an open ear.

I've always enjoyed that citizen contact.

Prepare by knowing your walk away [conditions] and by building the number of variables you can work with during the negotiation... you need to have a walk away... a combination of price, terms, and deliverables that represents the least you will accept. Without one, you have no negotiating road map.