NORWICH — Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri has announced plans to resign from his position and take over as the city's Youth Bureau director.

Sastri said his resignation will take effect on July 18, and his position as Youth Bureau Director will likely begin the next day. A city meeting to discuss the changes and appoint Sastri to the new role is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 6.

Sastri explained that his passion for working with local youth and his prior working experience with current Youth Bureau Director Bob Mason sparked his interested in the job.

"I was interested enough in the position, and I worked with Bob Mason at the ice skating rink. It's working with youth and with my current full time job that's what I do, and it's something I enjoy doing," said Sastri. "I just felt like it was an opportunity to stay involved and give back to the youth, not only to the City of Norwich but to the area youth."

Sastri said his current salary as mayor is around $16,000. According to the proposal, the Youth Bureau Director salary is $17,538.

With only a few month left in his two-year term, Sastri said he knew the youth position was opening up and said he didn't want to miss the opportunity.

"I just felt that I was really interested in the position and I wasn't sure if that position would still be available at the end of the year," he said. "I just felt like it was a better fit for me."

Ward 2 Alderman and mayoral candidate Brian Doliver said he is supportive of Sastri's decision.

"It's one of those things that, with anyone, when you're not happy with the position you're in, then he probably recognized that and he probably thought he was best suited for the bureau position," said Doliver. "I do support his decision."

Mayoral candidate John Quattrocchi also spoke in support of Sastri's decision, and believes the city will be in good hands until the election is over.

"I support this decision, whatever is best for him and his family at this time, whatever he's looking to achieve," said Quattrocchi. "I think there's some good council members that are in place right now, that will make sure the city runs smoothly until the time of the election."

"I do wish Shawn all the success after this. He's making a decision based on what he feels, needs, and I do also believe he has the community's best interest in mind," he added.

It is likely the common council with have to make a temporary appointment to fulfill the mayoral duties until the election. The current council president is Ward 6 Alderman Robert D. Jeffrey.

While the mayor usually assists in the hiring process, Sastri stated he excused himself from that responsibility, as he would be a candidate.

"Normally the mayor would be involved in those interviews, but I was not involved, I removed myself," he explained.

To ensure everyone was receiving fair treatment and consideration, Doliver said council members went through and interviewed each candidate again.

"We decided to interview everyone again personally, the council," said Doliver. "And there wasn't a lot of people that did apply, which was too bad."

Sastri said he plans to hit the ground running and begin training for the position immediately.

"Bob Mason is still around, so I'm planning on shadowing him and working with him," he said.