HAVERHILL — A St. Johnsbury resident strolled into town offices to ask what he could do to help the community following a sudden departure of its town administrator. One month later, he got the job.

But some residents are concerned about his past unflattering media coverage.

At the Monday meeting, the Selectboard introduced Brent Abare, the new, temporary town administrator. Following his introduction, a few members of the public said that …