New era for city and its manager.

Byline: Jack Moran The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - New City Manager Gino Grimaldi reports to work today, his arrival representing the start of a new era at City Hall.

The longtime public official will take over the post held for nearly 17 years by Mike Kelly, who retired last fall. Grimaldi worked as Kelly's assistant city manager for about 15 years before leaving Spring- field in 2003 to become Ashland's city admini- strator.

Grimaldi's last day on the job in Ashland was Friday. He wasted no time packing his bags and moving north to officially begin his stint.

"I'm anxious to get started," Grimaldi said last week.

The Springfield City Council, which in November chose Grimaldi over 44 other candidates who applied for the position, gave him until July 1 to begin work. But Ashland officials worked quickly in finding a new city administrator, which allowed Grimaldi to make the transition a few weeks earlier than expected.

"The recruitment (in Ashland) went a little faster than originally anticipated, and I saw it as an opportunity to start a little sooner," Grimaldi said.

Springfield City Council President John Woodrow said Grimaldi's presence at budget hearings during the next month will be beneficial.

"The whole plan was for him to start as soon as he could," Woodrow said. "It's good to have him here now, because he's got to live with this budget and understand where the budget committee and City Council are with it."

Grimaldi, 50, will earn an annual salary of $142,961, plus $10,000 in additional yearly compensation that includes a car allowance. His annual base salary in Ashland was $125,064.

"We still regret the fact that Gino is going back to Springfield, but we understand," Ashland Mayor John Morrison said. "They made him an excellent offer."

Age: 50 Education: Bachelor's degree in public management, master's in public administration, both from the University of Maine. Experience: City administrator, Ashland (2003-06); assistant city manager, Springfield (1988-2003); deputy city manager, Portland, Maine (1987-88); senior administrative assistant, Jackson County (1981-88)