Musante will start back part-time, but plans to attend next month's town meeting.
John P. MusanteAMHERST – Town Manager John P. Musante is expected to return to work on a part-time basis, as he eases back into his work schedule following a serious head injury in September.
Musante plans to attend the Nov. 7 Town Meeting, according to Selectwoman Stephanie J. O’Keeffe.
Musante has been out of work since being injured in a Sept. 6 fall. Musante, who was walking his dog at the time, sustained a head laceration and was hospitalized at Baystate Medical Center until Sept. 11. He has been recovering at home since he was discharged from the Springfield hospital.
Town officials have been in regular contact with Musante, and lately they have been meeting with him as well.
O’Keeffe said Musante still needs rest, but will soon begin working in the mornings on a trial basis.
In the meantime, M. David Ziomek, the town’s director of Conservation and Development, has served as acting town manager.
“I have been so impressed; he has risen to the occasion,” O’Keeffe said of Ziomek.
O'Keeffe, like Ziomek, praised other town staff for stepping up during Musante’s absence.
“When there’s good leadership, (staff) want to keep things going,” she said.
Musante became town manager on Oct. 1, 2010, replacing Laurence R. Shaffer, who retired after about four years in the position. Musante has worked for the town since 2004, when he became the finance director.