OK Team.....as we expected, the BOS once again defied the opinion of Town Counsel and chose to violate Mr. Crabtrees rights in accordance with the Town Charter to respond in writing and not have a public hearing. Our mission is stronger than ever. Selectman Faiellas lack of professionalism and belief that she is above the law is unconscionable. I cannot believe the tone she used as she spoke down to Selectman Panetta, as if she was her subordinate. These callous actions this evening only further fuel the suit that the terminated TM has against our town. I honestly did not hear one thing that made me feel as though the vague allegations now had specificity that allowed me to feel the TM deserved to be fired. If you read the letter (see link below) the TM answers all 9 allegations with clarity and honesty. The $4,300 education INCENTIVE is just that, an INCENTIVE - if you google the definition you will find it is a thing that motivates one to DO SOMETHING - the BOS appears to be confused. The $6,000 expense amount that was added to the TM compensation was added as it is compensation to recognize the TM for the higher education he/she already had. The $4,300 education INCENTIVE is to encourage further education for our TM as well as to help reimburse for the cost of maintaining your professional designations (i.e. CPA or JD etc.). Mr. Crabtree is an attorney and the cost of maintaining his licensure is significantly higher than that when you factor in the time and expense associated with CPE etc. They make it out as if he stole $4,300. He asked for an opinion from TC and also was told by members of the then BOS that he was entitled to it as the prior TM received it and it wasnt in his contract either. Do you realize that our town budget is $85mm and we pay our town manager $120,000 per year when Lynnfield has a budget half that size and they pay their TM over $170,000 plus benefits. The TM currently makes a few thousand less than the DPW director and far less than the Police and Fire Chiefs, who report to him, how is that fair? Does that make sense? If the $4,300 INCENTIVE was not planned for at all, why is it in the approved 2015 budget? The Chairman wants to say because it was unresolved? Not buying it, it was because they knew the TM was entitled to it and wanted to have it funded going forward. The bottom line is this...I didnt hear any laws that were broken or crimes committed, I heard there is a significant communication break down and differences of opinion in on when to pursue litigation, who to hire, what projects to put on the front burner etc. The TM spent the better part of his first 2 years getting us out of hot water with DOR. Does anyone realize the monumental accomplishment that was in such a short time? Other communities are on record as taking over 5 years to restore their financial standing and reduce oversight from DOR. Sure there were some things that slipped through the cracks or were put on hold however the TM focused his attention on the top priority which is restoring our good standing with Mass DOR and stabilizing the towns finances. Its nice to have $2mm in free cash and stabilization, something we havent had in over 12-14 years. I feel the town is much better off today than it was 2.5 years ago when the TM took over. I also feel today the likelihood of a lawsuit is greater than ever with the callous actions and blatant disregard for a peers warning by continuing with the hearing last night and for that I pursue with vigor the recall of Selectmen Faiella, Dever, Castinetti and Allan. Kudos to Selectman Panetta for clearly looking out for the residents and taxpayers of the town. Thank you for supporting our cause folks, we can and will #takebacksaugus.....
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:39:38 +0000
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