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Halifax Board interviews two candidates for health agent; members will forward choices to staff
Summary
The Board interviewed Suzanne Texeira and Mr. Rieger for the local health-agent role; Texeira described wastewater experience and pursuit of licensure, while Rieger cited nearly 30 years in local public health and highlighted grant-related continuity concerns for FY27.
The Halifax Board of Health on June 17 interviewed two candidates for the local health-agent position.
Suzanne Texeira introduced herself as having begun wastewater work in 2019 and said she holds a Rhode Island license. Texeira said she has taken classes, is working toward further qualifications and “would like to be a health agent,” but acknowledged she has not completed the Bachelor of Science coursework required in Massachusetts for Registered Sanitarian (RS) certification and did not have a timeline for finishing the degree.
Board members praised her effort and encouraged continued coursework; one member said the RS credential and a B.S. are relevant qualifications in Massachusetts for certain pathways to being an agent.
The Board also interviewed Mr. Rieger, who described almost three decades in public and environmental health, prior local work under a grant-funded role after former health agent Bob Valery’s death, and extensive experience with both city and small-town public health operations. Rieger emphasized the town’s role as host community for a Public Health Excellence grant and noted FY27 will be the third and final year of the current grant cycle, creating uncertainty beyond FY27 that he said makes continuity important for the near term.
The Board agreed to individually select their preferred candidate and share their choice with Peggy in the Board of Health office, who will manage communications and any necessary letters. No hiring motion was recorded during the meeting; the Board indicated the selection process would proceed administratively.
