In early 2003 the newly elected Tax Collector abruptly quit. The long-time former Tax Collector had warned against the position staying as elected – it’s not a popularity contest – financial chops are a requirement. And here his dire prediction was coming true. And luckily the townspeople agreed and Wareham’s Town Charter was changed.

John Foster, Director of Assessment at the time, stepped in to manage both departments at the request of the Town Administrator.

John found a mess. Literally and figuratively. It was the midst of a huge real estate boom and Wareham was missing on out collecting revenue due to a backlog of Municipal Lien Certificates. The first day he went to the office he found loose cash under the counter, and paperwork everywhere.

During that period, you could drive past Town Hall on a Saturday or Sunday and find John’s truck there as he unraveled a mess and organized what is arguably the most critical department in Town Hall. Week after week.

He found his niche there and stayed as Director of Finance and Wareham was the better for that decision.

I had the pleasure of working alongside John and his awesome staff – both the Assessing and Collector – as a volunteer during this time and got to know John as a steady hand, a good boss with an unexpected fabulous sense of humor.

As a Selectman at the time, I deeply appreciated his commitment to Wareham and getting us back on course.

John, from the bottom of my heart – thank you for ALL that you did for the town and congratulations on a much-deserved retirement!

Cindy Parola