Stoughton Police, Fire Have No Confidence in Town Manager

STOUGHTON, MA - In the wake of the scheduled departure of Police Chief Paul Shastany, the police and fire departments have both taken a vote of no confidence against Town Manager Mike Hartman.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Stoughton Fire Fighters Local 1512 said the vote was unanimous among their members.

"Mr. Hartman's micromanaging has fostered a work environment which continues to be contentious and demoralizing. His lack of communication, and unwillingness to recognize the value of dedicated employees has cost him to lose the trust of the firefighter's of local 1512," the statement read.

In the police union's letter, read by Sgt. Brian Holmes at the selectmen's meeting, poor communication with Shastany, interference in police business, and a lack of support were cited as some of the reasons for their lack of confidence in Hartman,

Both departments have asked the selectmen to take action to remove Hartman as town manager.

Selectman David Sousa attempted to make a motion to cut ties with Hartman but was deemed out of order by Chairman Joe Mokrisky.