Town of Southwick Building Inspector Art Lawler is retiring this spring. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board members unanimously selected Kyle J. Scott as the town building inspector this week.
Scott, of Hatfield, was chosen among three candidates April 28 following a final interview via Zoom. An initial interview was conducted in-person prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Scott is the building commissioner in Hatfield and was previously a building inspector in Northampton. He said during his interview last week that living in Hatfield would not be a detriment to taking the Southwick position and he would attend evening meetings with boards and committees as needed. He also said he is familiar with the town and was encouraged to apply by Lawler.
Select Board member Joseph Deedy said the three candidates were all qualified, but he felt two rose to the top and that Scott was the best choice.
“Some needed a little more experience with Southwick ,” said Deedy.
Chairman Russ Fox said all three candidates could take the position, but Scott “stood out.”
“I would agree,” said Selectman Douglas Moglin. “I nominate Kyle Scott.”
Moglin noted that retiring Building Inspector Arthur Lawler was on the zoom call Tuesday when the decision was made.
“I want to thank Arthur for his service and all he has deone for the town,” Moglin said. “You set the bar high.”
Deedy agreed and joked that Lawler should “leave a pair of shoes so we can show the next person what needs to be filled.”
Lawler thanked the selectman and noted he would stay on during the transition to a new inspector.
Scott’s offer of employment is contingent on completing the the process and accepting the position.
