John DiNapoli, an Attleboro resident, joined Unitil as the area municipal and community services manager last Thursday.
"Any related issues that come into play, I'll be your contact," DiNapoli said.
DiNapoli said his position is new, and was created in response to Unitil's mismanagement of the ice storm last winter that left some area residents without power for weeks.
DiNapoli said he has compiled lists of public officials he plans to meet with in the coming weeks to establish relationships, in case another local emergency take place.
DiNapoli's introduction comes just two days after the Department of Public Utilities announced it will not fine Unitil for failing customers last December, because it doesn't have fining authority, according to DPU Executive Director Timothy Shevlin. DPU officials did, however, order Unitil to undergo a comprehensive management audit.
DiNapoli can be reached at 978-353-3259.
Also Wednesday, Water Commissioner Denis Meunier announced that the Water Department has collected more than $52,000 in past due water bills over the last two weeks.
Meunier said the Water Department is willing to work with residents who fall behind on bills, but that people need to call 978-345-9616 for assistance.
"We're not going away," said Meunier.
In other business, the Fitchburg Veterans Council will hold a Veteran's Day Program at the Fitchburg Senior Center on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.. Mayor Wong, City Council President Stephan Hay, and Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, will be among the guests honoring veterans.
A procession of the memorial wreaths to the Upper Common on Main Street will take place after the program.
And on Thursday, Nov. 12, the Fitchburg Police Department will host an open house at the police headquarters at 20 Elm St. from 4 -- 6 p.m.
To see more of the Sentinel & Enterprise or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Sentinel and Enterprise, Fitchburg, Mass. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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