Twenty-eight people have applied to be director of Wareham's Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA), and Selectmen are scrambling to get the long-vacant position filled as quickly as possible.

Selectmen Chair Walter B. Cruz Sr. proposed on Tuesday that a screening committee chaired by CEDA Board Chairman Jean Connaughton meet as soon as possible. “We need to get the show on the road,” he said.

The post has been vacant since August of 2010, when Chris Reilly resigned to take an out-of-town job.

Cruz' colleagues agreed that it is important to fill the top spot quickly.

“I think without a doubt this is the single most important decision in this town for the next five years . . . the appointment of the CEDA director,” said Selectman Steve Holmes. “We really have sorely missed having a director.”

Holmes said hiring the new director would be a chance to bring a new image to Wareham and to the area.

Selectmen agreed to form a screening committee comprised of the full Board of Selectmen, Connaughton, and one additional CEDA board member. The screening committee will meet in executive session on Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. in the Multi-Service Room at Town Hall.