Mahoney to become city's Director of Labor Relations

Date: 6/8/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD According to Mayor Domenic Sarno and Finance Control Board Executive Director Stephen Lisauskas, the appointment of Attorney William Mahoney of Ludlow to the newly created position of Director of Labor Relations and Human Resources Director will not only save the city money, but should improve the operations of city government.

The announcement was made at a press conference conducted Thursday, two days after Sarno's office released a statement concerning Personnel Director Marilyn Montagna: "Personnel Director Marilyn Montagna will voluntarily separate her employment with the City. Montagna's last day with the City will be Friday, June 5, 2009."

The press release quoted Sarno, who said, "I want to thank Marilyn for her service to the City and wish her well with all her future endeavors."

Mahoney will be paid an annual salary of $134,000. According to figures released by the mayor's office the new position should save the city $225,000 annually.

The city has spent $1.8 million on outside labor counsel from 2005 through 2008. Mahoney's position would eliminate that expenditure.

In his new job, Mahoney will manage the day-to-day activities of the human resources and labor relations departments. He will report to the mayor and to the yet to be named Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO).

Lisauskas, who is also the acting CAFO, said this is the first appointment under the new city government structure. The new positions will "serve the taxpayers of the city better and server the employers better," he said.

Mahoney is a graduate of Western New England College and the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. He has served as a member of the Ludlow Select Board and the Ludlow Planning Board. He was the general counsel for the National Association of Government Employees in Springfield from 1988 through 1995, where he was responsible for collective bargaining with various municipalities.

Mahoney will start his new job on July 6 and said he was honored by his selection.