Buckley to Oversee City, School Projects

Mayor Michael J. McGlynn today announced that effective Monday, October 8, 2012, the Commissioner of Public Works, John J. “Jack” Buckley, will assume the position of “Owners Project Manager” (O.P.M. as required by the State) for the City of Medford in charge of “The Chart the Course” Bond Issue for Capital Improvement Projects.

Buckley has served as the DPW Commissioner since July 1, 2009. Before that, Buckley oversaw the building of all of the elementary and middle schools as well as the Field of Dreams and the turf and track improvements at Hormel Stadium, totaling nearly $115,000,000 in construction costs.

Buckley’s new position will include: overseeing the design and construction of the future Department of Public Works facility, the reconstruction of the Medford High School pool, the improvements to the Fire Stations, infrastructure improvements at Chevalier Auditorium and other related projects.

“Jack has a proven track record for many years and is well known for his ‘on time and under budget’ record. Jack is a great fit for this position. This move will save the Medford taxpayers nearly $500,000 by not having to hire multiple OPM’s for the individual jobs. I take this opportunity to thank him for his tireless efforts as DPW Commissioner and I look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future,” said Mayor McGlynn.

“I welcome the challenge, the work and the interaction with our elected officials and citizens, as we chart the course for our future together,” said Buckley.

The former Department of Public Works Commissioner, Paul Gere, who preceded Buckley as Commissioner, has enthusiastically agreed to return as interim director during the search for a new permanent director. Paul Gere was hired as the Commissioner in 1997.

“Gere has always come through in the clutch and is very excited about returning to work. He has always been known as a ‘hands on’ Commissioner,” said Mayor McGlynn.

“The DPW employees have always demonstrated a commitment to Medford’s citizens and together we will work to make good things happen for our community,” said Gere.

– Submitted by Mayor McGlynn’s office