Selectman Chairman Says External Candidate Got Police Chief Application

Originally published Dec. 18, 2016.

STOUGHTON, MA — The apparent discovery of an external applicant for the police chief opening led to the board voting to have a discussion with Town Manager Michael Hartman.

Thursday night, the board voted schedule a discussion with Hartman after learning that an application for the internal search was given to an external candidate by a town employee.

"We made it clear we were going to do an internal search. My understanding is an application was given to an outside candidate," Chairman David Sousa said to Hartman at Thursday's meeting.

Sousa initially wanted to hold the talk in executive session but it will take place in open session at the request of Hartman.

The opening, which closed on Dec. 12, attracted five applicants, Hartman told the Enterprise. As assessment center is scheduled to give the selectmen a list of finalists in January.

The board is scheduled to address the issue on Dec. 28.

Image: file photo