State DPW Commissioner John J. Carroll Expected to Be Offered Norwood Town Manager Post-September 27, 1978

Following a swift and favorable review of his application last night, State Public Works Commissioner John J. Carroll is expected to be offered Norwood’s vacant town manager position during a board meeting tonight.

Responding to Lame-Duck State Status

The administrative vacancy was triggered earlier this month by the surprise resignation of six-year manager John P. Mogan, who agreed to stay on until a successor is named. Prompted by the September 19 primary—which conferred “lame-duck” status upon the administration of Governor Michael Dukakis—50-year-old Carroll submitted his resume to Norwood officials to explore his career options.

Noting that a state DPW commissioner’s tenure historically terminates with a change in gubernatorial administration, Carroll remarked that he could not pin his hopes on either major gubernatorial candidate, Democrat Edward J. King or Republican Francis W. Hatch, both vying for the office in the November 7 election. “It will be a tough decision,” Carroll admitted regarding whether to accept a municipal post before election results clarify his state-level job security. Curiously, the Norwood position could offer a financial step up: while Mogan’s salary sits at roughly $35,000 as a maximum step, Carroll’s state commissioner salary is approximately $32,000.

Professional Background and Family Life

Carroll brings an extensive municipal and administrative background to the consideration:

• Municipal Experience: He previously served as town engineer and public works director for Lexington.
• Civic Service: Residing in Dedham for 20 years before moving to Milton last fall, Carroll served on the Dedham Finance Committee (1970–1973) and completed a three-year term on the Dedham School Committee ending in the 1977 town election. He and his late first wife, Marilyn (McGrann) Carroll (who passed away in 1976), previously lived at 54 Lincoln St. in Dedham.
• Industry Leadership: Prior to his gubernatorial appointment by Gov. Dukakis, Carroll worked as editor of New England Construction Magazine and executive director of Construction Industries of Massachusetts Inc.
• Family: Commenting on his large blended family of 14 children—six from his first marriage and eight children of his second wife, Penelope (Martin) Carroll—he noted candidly, “I’m interested in any job opportunities.”

Selectmen Action and Procedural Debate

While Norwood selectmen had already initiated a formal search utilizing university placement clearinghouses and job consultants, the board majority moved rapidly upon reviewing Carroll’s credentials.

Selectman Walter J. Dempsey brushed aside procedural objections raised by colleague Mary J. Fox—who questioned shifting to a favorite candidate so early in the search process, despite conceding that Carroll possessed “quite a resume”—and stated his readiness to appoint Carroll immediately if available. Three selectmen voted to invite Carroll in for a discussion at 8:00 p.m. tonight.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger