Broomell 'In Shock' Over Main Street Ousting

They called it standard procedure.

Diana Broomell called it humiliating.

After two-and-a-half years as the manager of Havre de Grace Main Street, Broomell was asked by the organization's executive board Wednesday to hand over her keys.

"I got my stuff and I was somewhat in shock," Broomell told Patch in a phone interview Thursday.

, Broomell was forced Wednesday to step down as manager of Main Street because of a perceived conflict with her role as a Cecil County Commissioner, a post to which .

At that time, Broomell was confident she could maintain her position with Main Street while serving in her elected position. 

"It shouldn't be a problem," she said in November. "The Main Street program is board-and-volunteer-driven and I have a little flexibility with the hours. The other people working as county commissioner, they have full-time jobs." 

Broomell also said she would be willing to remain in position while the board members began reviewing resumes and applications for her eventual successor.

At the most recent board meeting, it was announced, much to Broomell's surprise, that she would be leaving. Broomell said her intentions were to remain with Main Street.

It wasn't until Wednesday—in a meeting with board members Billee Smith, Lisa Ryan and Bill Watson, with Bill Price on the phone from Florida—that Broomell learned the organization wanted to go in a new direction.

The following is an email Broomell sent to board members of Main Street:

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Dear Board Members: There seems to be two versions of how I left my position with Havre de Grace Main Street:

The official statement sent out by Board President, Bill Price which was sent to all 19 board members states:

"This is to inform you that Diana will no longer be our Manager of the Main Street organization. Tonight, the Executive Committee met with Diana and collectively expressed that it would be best for our organization for her to relinquish her duties. This was not an easy decision; Diana has been an invaluable addition to our organization. Unfortunately, with her additional responsibilities as County Commissioner she has limited time. Diana and I have had several conversations about this dating back to November, and I know she has been conflicted about both her rolls [sic]. Ultimately, the conclusion is for her to serve in the public trust and the citizens of Cecil County for which she was elected. We wish her all the success she so deserves and hope that she will continue to frequent our fair city.

We will begin a search immediately for a new Manager since we are going into our busy season. If you have any suggestions please forward them to Billee in my continued absence."

My version is a little different. It needs to be pointed out that the Executive Board which is made up of five members exclusively voted on this decision. Havre de Grace Main Street has 19 board members and over 180 members. They were not aware this decision was being considered. While I appreciate the Executive Board accolades that no one can dispute I’ve done a wonderful job and “have taken Havre de Grace Main Street to a new level”, it’s unfortunate that the Executive Board felt the need to take this step. I wish it had been a mutually discussed decision and if the Executive Board had asked me to step aside, I would have considered it. But I was not a part of that conversation in making the decision to part ways. The 2 ½ years that I’ve been with Havre de Grace Main Street has been a wonderful experience. My husband and I have made many new friends and I’ve enjoyed working with the downtown business owners and promoting the events. Havre de Grace will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

Sincerely, 

Diana

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Broomell seemed most disappointed that a decision that will impact a number of downtown Havre de Grace businesses and more than 180 members of Main Street was not made in consulting the 19-person board of directors, but instead among the five-person executive board. The fifth member of the executive board, Brian Shoop, was unable to attend the meeting where Broomell's fate was decided.

In a response to an email seeking comment Thursday, Price told Patch: "The only comment to be made is [that] Diana did a good job while Manager of Main Street. She took our organization to new levels and she will be missed. We wish her good fortune in her future endeavors and hope to see her in our fair city. We will be seeking a new Manager to fill that position."

Broomell's position paid her a $22,000 salary without benefits for a 32-hour work week, though she claims she often worked well beyond those part-time hours.

She plans to focus her time on her family business and her role as Cecil County Commissioner. The Colora resident said she will be assisting her husband Mark, a Main Street board member, with his business, Vintage Woodwork.

"We're still going to visit Havre de Grace," Broomell said. "It's a very special part of our lives."