Falmouth Appoints Next Town Manager After Interim Withdraws Candidacy

FALMOUTH, MA — The Select Board has appointed the next town manager, and they'll likely bring a bit of southern charm to Cape Cod.

In a surprising turn of events, acting Town Manager Peter Johnston-Staub removed himself from consideration for the permanent role, clearing the path for the Select Board to choose Michael Renshaw, who currently serves as a county administrator in Georgia.

Johnston-Staub was the clear leader during the hour-plus long discussion, carrying three votes in favor to Renshaw's two. However, four votes out of the five members of the board are needed to earn the appointment.

It was Johnston-Staub who broke the stalemate when, during the middle of the discussion, he re-entered the room and asked to speak.

"I don't want to accept the position without the support of two of your members," he said. "I've seen a three-two vote tear a community apart and I would like to withdraw my candidacy at this time."

He left without saying another word, leaving the board nearly speechless.

You can watch the moment below:

The motion was eventually made to appoint Renshaw, which passed with four votes.

There are still steps to be taken before he begins in the role, which include contract negotiations and a move from Georgia to Massachusetts.