Special position aims to help in recovery

MONROE — The town has established a special position to spearhead the community’s long-term economic recovery from impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced Monday the creation of a temporary community and economic recovery coordinator position and appointed lifelong Monroe resident William Holsworth to the post.

Holsworth will coordinate local recovery and stabilization efforts from the dramatic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Kellogg, and the town plans to fund the position with state and federal disaster relief programs.

“As we all know, the town remains in a state of emergency,” said Kellogg. “In light of the pandemic, the work necessary to give Monroe the greatest opportunity for a strong economic recovery has grown tremendously in both scope and magnitude.”

“I’m eager to hit the ground running, and help the community that I love,” said Holsworth.

The position will support recovery in light of postCovid challenges, including working with local businesses to help them survive and remain in Monroe, developing a framework for local economic expansion and coordinating access to the various and often complex disaster funding sources available, officials said.

“We want both the town and our commercial organizations to be aware of these programs and to provide assistance wherever we can,” said Kellogg.

Kellogg said Holsworth will also be Monroe’s dedicated representative to regional long-term recovery efforts being established by the state.

As the position is temporary, Kellogg said the the compensation is per pay period, and is $1,250 per week.

While not strictly focused on economic development, Kellogg stressed that shoring up the economy and getting new businesses into town as being fundamental to recovery. Having a dedicated person provides an opportunity for the Town to further evaluate the concept, he said.

“This also provides us the opportunity to evaluate the viability of a similar, permanent role,” said Kellogg, “but I would want to see a clear, net return for our taxpayers before proposing a permanent position.”

Holsworth has a diverse background ranging from business analysis and product development to corporate finance, where he has served in executive levels, Kellogg said. Holsworth also brings a background in the real estate market, dealing directly with property owners, realtors and developers as a former leader at a mortgage origination firm.

Kellogg stated that since the concept has come together quickly, he will start Holsworth immediately.

“Again, this is an emergency,” added Kellogg, “and I want to accelerate this process immediately.”