Wakefield council to swear in new city manager tonight

By P.J. GLISSON

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WAKEFIELD — A shift in power will occur after tonight’s meeting of the Wakefield city council as current city manager Richard Brackney turns over the reins to his successor, Robert Brown, Jr.

At a special meeting on Jan. 23, council members voted to offer the job to Brown, 36, of Belding, Mich., and he has been working here with city staff since last Tuesday.

Brackney, who was scheduled to retire on May 24, will end his responsibilities two months early. Brown’s first day as city manager will be Tuesday.

Brown, whose wife and children will move here afte...