Webster Passes on Ex-Dedham Official for Town Administrator Opening

WEBSTER, MA — Of the two finalists left for the Webster town administrator opening, a Dedham official will not be included.

William Ralph, the former Dedham assistant director of finance director, was one of five finalists given to the Webster Selectmen by the screening committee, but he wasn't offered an interview, according to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Also not getting an interview was James M. O’Mara Jr. One of the two rewrote a waiver of liability form while the other blacked out and redacted sections. A third finalist withdrew from consideration.

The use of the waiver, however, might be illegal. Michael Finamore, a member of the screening committee, offered the board an email from Springfield lawyer and former assistant state attorney general Michael T. Kogut that said the waiver asked finalist to waive off all privileges concerning “clergyman-penitent,” and to ok a health investigation, which is in violation of the 1996 Federal Hospital Privacy Act.

Selectman Chairman Donald Bourque said he would take the email under advisement and Finamore said he would sue the town if they appoint a town administrator.

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