Fitzgerald Takes Time Off Job to Focus Campaign Effort

Mayoral candidate Sean Fitzgerald announced earlier this week that he'll be taking some time off from his job as Town Manager in Plaistow, N.H. to focus all his energy on running his campaign — nine weeks off, in fact.

Fitzgerald has been walking the streets and going door-to-door to meet Peabody voters, and now his undivided attention will be on the campaign straight through to the finish.

“During my tenure as Town Manager, I have demonstrated my leadership ability by bringing businesses to the town of Plaistow and improving the quality of life of its residents,” said Fitzgerald in a statement. “However, I have decided at this time that I need additional attention on my mayoral campaign in order to bring my experience in managing local government to the citizens of Peabody.”

Fitzgerald said he negotiated a modified work schedule with the town's Board of Selectmen in advance of his two-month leave of absence, which begins Sept. 6.

Fitzgerald said he sees the consent of the board as a “testament to the hard work” he has put in since becoming Town Manager there nearly three years ago. He went on to highlight his efforts to guide Plaistow through a catastrophic ice storm, secure millions in state and federal grants and work on revitalizing the business community.

“Sean has worked hard over the last few years to move Plaistow in a very positive direction; however, we feel that at this point it is in the best interest of the town to grant this leave as Sean focuses his time and energy towards his hometown,” said Dan Poliquin, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in a statement. 

“I will continue to support the needs of the town, while increasing the amount of time I spend interacting with the voters of Peabody,” said Fitzgerald.