MONTICELLO — It looks like Monticello has found a permanent village manager in former Sullivan County Legislator and Division of Health and Family Services Deputy Commissioner Dav-id Sager; though it's not yet been made official.

“I don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched and it's obviously not official yet, but I will say that I have been through the interview process, and hopefully, in the days to come, we [himself and the Village Board] can finalize the contract negotiations,” said Sager in an interview with the Democrat yesterday.

Asked why he'd be interested in a post that's been a veritable revolving door over the years, Sager offered, “I've always enjoyed being in public service and I think my experience in public service speaks for itself. Serving the people is something that's always been important to me... I grew up in the Monticello area and my family has a very rich history in Monticello and I truly believe that I can act as a stabilizing force in this village.

“I have not been at all nervous about this [interview/hiring process],” continued Sager. “I think it's going to be a great fit, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the potential Monticello, as the county seat, has, and helping it realize this potential to its fullest.”

According to Village Mayor Gordon Jenkins, a field of 12 applicants was pared down to just three candidates - current acting Village Manager Walter Fedun of Monticello; Eugene Campbell of Walden; and Sager of Jeffersonville.

“He's [Sager] the final candidate and we'll give him that shot,”said Jenkins in a Monday interview with the Democrat. “He [Sager] did turn the job down after having agreed to accept it a while ago... once again, though, the board narrowed down the field and he came out on top. It's strictly a board matter, hiring a Village Manager, but I support the move and I think he'll be a good fit for the village.

“We've got to give the man an honest chance here... there's just too much we need to get done in this village and it's time we move forward,” added Jenkins. “I'm excited to work with Mr. Sager and I think that he and the board will work well together as well.”