AUBURN — In the 41 years that Edward J. Kazanovicz has worked in local governments, knowing that he could help people on a day-to-day basis through his work is what he says has made the different positions he has held — currently as Auburn town manager — “gratifying.”
The 65-year-old town manager, who has held the position for two years but has been present in Auburn’s local government for three decades, will give up the seat Jan. 31, when he is set to retire.
“No time is the right time to leave,” Kazanovicz said Tuesday. “But I want to enjoy life a little bit and I want to be able to spend time with my two new granddaughters.”
A self-proclaimed “Worcester boy,” Kazanovicz attended parochial schools, graduating from St. Peter-Marian High School in 1978.
After earning a degree in accounting and business administration from Worcester State College, Kazanovicz first entered local government work in 1984 as an accountant in the city auditor's office in Lowell.
Leaving Lowell as assistant city auditor, he returned to Central Massachusetts in 1995 as the town accountant and assistant town administrator, later also wearing the hat of chief financial officer.
He held the title of town manager for about six months in 2010 on an interim basis before former Auburn Town Manager Julie Jacobson took over for a 12-year career.
Saying that the position always interested him, he jumped at the opportunity when Jacobson exited Auburn government in January 2023.
“I've always been interested in local government," Kazanovicz said. “I find it gratifying and rewarding to help out residents and as it relates to their issues.
“At times it can be very difficult because sometimes you don't have that flexibility to help out individuals, and it becomes very frustrating, but it is satisfying when knowing that I can help people out on a day-to-day basis.”
Among what he felt most proud about in the 30 years of working in Auburn, Kazanovicz listed the establishment of the EMS Ambulance Service in 2004, the construction of the high and middle schools, the adoption of policies that he says “positioned the town in excellent financial standing,” the creation of multiple parks and beautification projects in town, among others.
He also mentioned with pride the town’s intentions to purchase Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill off Route 20 to construct a new headquarters for the Fire Department, where the department would get easier access to the west end of the town.
Following his announcement of his retirement at a Board of Selectmen meeting in November, Kazanovicz said that a request for proposal has been sent out to hire a professional management recruitment firm that will help in the selection of the next town manager.
“I want to thank the residents of this community who really put their faith and trust in me over the years and who I humbly served,” Kazanovicz said. “I owe them a debt of gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to serve them.”