Looks Like Mass. Economic Development Chief Won't Be Cambridge City Manager, After All

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The state's economic development secretary will not be Cambridge's next city manager, after Jay Ash reportedly pulled out of the competition Wednesday.

Ash was one of three finalists to replace longtime manager Richard Rossi. Cambridge City Council is scheduled to designate its chosen candidate Thursday night.

Currently the state's housing and economic development secretary and formerly city manager for the City of Chelsea, Ash previously said he was pursuing the position in part to escape the burdensome travel requirements of his current gig. In that job, Ash has been credited with helping lure the General Electric world headquarters to Boston, among other accomplishments.

In a statement shared with The Boston Herald, Ash wrote:

"I now believe that the opportunity to serve as Cambridge’s next city manager is not the right fit for me. I have chosen to withdraw my name from further consideration," Ash said in a statement. "In my heart, I believe that being part of the Baker Administration is more important to me than being part of any other administration. I remain committed to the mission of this administration: Growing jobs, helping communities realize their economic development priorities, connecting citizens to new economic opportunities, and building prosperity across Massachusetts.”

That leaves the Cambridge city council two choices tonight: current assistant city manager for fiscal affairs Louis DePasquale or Paul Fetherston, who is currently assistant city manager in Asheville, North Carolina.

The City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. in a special session to extend an offer to a finalist for the position, and to designate an Acting City Manager until that person is formally hired.

You can read more about both candidates (and Ash) here.

Image via mass.gov