Selectmen Chairman Defends Decision To Appoint Interim Town Manager

STOUGHTON, MA — The chairman of the Stoughton Board of Selectmen is defending the contentious vote that led to an interim town manager and the apparent ousting of Michael Hartman.

In a press release, Chairman David Sousa said the board acted within their lawful authority, calling the 3-2 vote in the best interest of the town.

"While I of course recognize this is a contentious issue, the board acted by and through a majority of its members and a decision has been made. That, after all, is the democratic process of town government," Sousa said.

The release represents some of the more substantial remarks from Sousa since the June 29 vote. During the heated meeting, it was noted that if the town manager's contract is not renewed, they become an at-will worker with discharge requiring four votes from the selectmen, according to the town charter.

Hartman's contact expired on June 30 and while he has not been discharged, Sousa referred to a Dec. 15 vote to not renew Hartman's contract. He also dismissed the argument that the vote was unlawful and in violation of the town charter.

"It is truly unfortunate that they would prefer to foster dysfunction and confusion and to employ a mudslinging in an attempt to undermine town government particularly where, as here, a majority of the board has acted by doing what they believe is in the best interest of the town," Sousa wrote of those against the vote.

Hartman, who is on vacation, the Enterprise after the vote that he was informed of the meeting on June 27 and intends on returning to work at the town manager July 13.

Click here for the full press release.

Image: File Photo