Still No Final Word On Embattled Montclair Town Manager’s Job Status

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Another meeting of the Montclair Town Council passed this week without final word on the situation involving embattled town manager, Tim Stafford.

During the town council meeting on March 27, several people spoke during the public comment section, asking for updates about Stafford’s employment status (watch the video below).

Stafford was placed on temporary paid administrative leave in October amid accusations that he created an abusive work environment that has cost the township some key female employees over the years. Read More: Montclair Town Manager Put On Leave Amid Accusations

Montclair’s chief financial officer Padmaja Rao has filed a gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against Stafford, alleging that he is responsible for creating a toxic workplace at the top level of the town’s government, including a pattern of “bullying, verbal abuse and threatening behavior.”

Stafford has also been named in another lawsuit from Juliet Lee, Montclair’s former deputy town clerk, who says that she retired early from her job due to verbal abuse, humiliation and harassment. Lee – who alleges in the suit that Stafford singled out women for abuse – is seeking punitive and compensatory damages and legal fees.

Other Montclair community members have since claimed that Stafford’s allegedly abusive management style has negatively impacted the township. Read More: More Women Level Accusations Against Montclair Town Manager

The Montclair Town Council took its first steps towards possibly cutting ties with Stafford in February. Stafford has the right to a public hearing, after which the council can vote on a final resolution of removal. Read More: Montclair May Cut Ties With Tim Stafford; Council Vote Sets Stage

On Monday, a resident asked the council for an update on the situation during public comment.

“Has Tim Stafford asked for a public hearing, and if not, why have you not voted to fire him yet?” she inquired.

Deputy Mayor Bill Hurlock, who was presiding over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Sean Spiller, referred the question to town attorney Paul Burr, who said the matter is still in litigation and the municipal legal team is unable to comment on the personnel issue.

However, the question then got a response from Councilman Bob Russo, who asked why town officials can’t offer more information to the public.

“Can’t we tell them [Stafford] wanted a hearing … then he didn’t want a hearing … then he wanted a hearing again … then we postponed it two weeks?” Russo asked.

“The guy is stalling, prolonging, and trying to beat us over the head for money,” he said, adding that he believes Stafford’s employment should be terminated.

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