NEWINGTON - Newington has hired a former Town Manager to assist in finding a replacement for John Salomone, and Tanya Lane-currently filling the role-will be among the candidates considered.

       â€�"I would hope that the Council would look at my accomplishments,” Lane said over the phone. â€�"I hope my record over the past 90 days will bode well for me.”

       Lane took the position in the interim, just as the town was approaching its budget process, the Town Council goal setting sessions, and the Annual State of the Town Address.

       â€�"I hit the ground running,” Lane said. â€�"I think it’s very energizing and rewarding.”

       She says that even at that stage, she had hoped to eventually be offered the permanent Town Manager’s position.

       â€�"I have a good understanding of the community and a good relationship with the staff and Department heads,” Lane said. â€�"Those are two factors that I think give me an edge.”

       The consulting firm of Randi Frank-formerly the Town Manager of Rocky Hill-will start with a series of public and town employee forums, according to Town Manager Search Committee Member Maureen Klett.

       A May 3 public session will be held at Town Hall at 7 p.m. The firm also plans to hold a day-long forum for town staff on May 20, at the same location.

       The Committee wants to have a second public forum at the Newington Senior Center, but is still working with staff on a date, Klett said.

       Frank was hired at a $95 per hour rate, according to Klett. The public meetings should not take more than 10 hours, Klett said.

       Frank will use the input to compile a report, which will be presented to the Council, which can then either hire Lane as the permanent Town Manager, or continue the search process for a $15,000 fee, according to Klett.

       Any costs generated through the forum process will be calculated as part of the total $15,000 figure, she said.

       Salomone, who resigned earlier this year, landed quickly in Norwich, where he now serves as City Manager.

       Lane, formerly the Newington Town Clerk, stepped in to fill the role, and had her appointment extended the same night the Council passed its $115.6 million budget.

       Lane had been receiving a bi-weekly salary of just over $4,800 under the 90-day agreement.

       Lane, who lives in Westbrook, currently serves on that town’s Board of Finance-a volunteer position. She has worked in Newington for 13 years.

       â€�"I understand the Town Charter provision about living in town, and I would have no problem with that if I was lucky enough [to get the position],” Lane said.

       The Search Committee is composed of Klett, along with fellow Councilors Dave Nagel and Carol Anest. Mayor Roy Zartarian serves as an Ex-Officio member.