Deputy town manager gets top job

After receiving 40 applications for Arlington’s town manager job, selectmen voted unanimously Monday night to promote deputy town manager Adam Chapdelaine to the post. Chapdelaine, 32, will assume his new role on Feb. 24, when current Town Manager Brian Sullivan retires. Chapdelaine has been deputy town manager in Arlington for about two years after serving as city administrator for Fall River. Selectmen chose Chapdelaine after interviewing him and fellow finalist John Petrin, Ashland’s town manager, in a public meeting. The board’s chairwoman, Clarissa Rowe, said a key reason for its decision was the support Chapdelaine received from the town’s department heads and employees. The selectmen had spent considerable time and hired a consultant to help screen outside candidates for the job, Rowe said, a necessary process to make sure Chapdelaine was the best choice. “I think it would have been a disservice to the town had we gone right to him,’’ Rowe said. The board will soon negotiate Chapdelaine’s contract, Rowe said. - Brock Parker