For the first time in town history, Middletown has hired a deputy town administrator. The budgetary addition was unanimously approved at the town’s financial meeting some weeks ago.
Patrick Guthlein, who previously served as deputy finance director under Marc Tanguay will hold the deputy position.
“We are very lucky to have Patrick,” Council President Paul Rodrigues said. “He has an extensive background in school finances. We have so many projects going on. You have to have a succession plan.”
Rodrigues hinted that Guthlein, 30, would be a logical replacement for Town Administrator Shawn Brown in a few years.
“I have been through two other town administrators, and we have had Shawn the last 18 years,” he said. “Shawn probably has the most experience in the state at this point. Patrick’s work ethic is second to none. When one is leaving, you want to make sure the town is as solid as possible. You have to have great people in order to have a great town.”
Brown thanked the council for allowing the position to be financed. “A lot of work is coming on and Patrick is a large part of it,” he said. “The schools, finance offices, facilities department. When I first heard Patrick’s name, Mar...