A new day in Cohasset
Tuesday night, the public session of the Select Board started with a surprise announcement from current Town Manager Chris Senior that he will not be seeking a contract extension and will be moving on.
While it is unclear what brought about this surprise shift (after the Select Board voted 3-2 in favor of an intent to renew his contract earlier this year), we believe this is the right move and implore the Select Board to run a transparent process to find an independent leader who can bring a fresh voice and perspective to Cohasset.
It is essential that this person treats the role of Town Manager with the respect and integrity that this town deserves. In particular, we expect the Select Board to hold this new leader to the terms of the Town Manager Act, including, but not limited to, to “prepare a written proposed capital improvements budget for the ensuing fiscal year and a 5 year forecast, and include both as part of the proposed annual budget” and serve as the “chief financial officer of the town” with the necessarily fiscal responsibility that comes with that distinction.
After this surprise announcement, several residents gave their comments, some prepared in advance of this announcement:
Emma Kagel spoke of the humiliation and hurt experienced to advocate for making all town meetings ADA compliant and accessible. Emma also raised concerns about how constituents are afraid to volunteer and participate in town governance. She asked for the immediate resignation of Paul Grady and Ellen Maher after citing specific examples of their behaviors toward her and other constituents. During the meeting it was also noted that the meeting was not ADA compliant, the microphones were not turned on and working, and all the Board members’ complicity proceeded without any effort to address the known inaccessibility for all.
Nick Francona spoke of serious concerns about governance in the town, while leadership has seemed more focused on messaging and communications.
Jennifer Chu said that while residents want many of the projects set forth, there has been no comprehensive plan put in place to address these issues.
Cassandra Dragon-Archambault spoke about it being a new day for Cohasset, and the Select Board has the chance to show that Cohasset’s government will no longer tolerate opacity.
Moving forward
We are at an important moment as a town. Next Monday, we have the opportunity to come together to vote on two important issues: reinstating free full-day Kindergarten (which 95% of towns in Massachusetts provide) and rejecting the RTF Enterprise Fund, which we previously shared is not funded for success from the onset.
Additionally, we hope all residents who want to get involved with the town have the opportunity to work closely with a new Town Manager who is committed to operating with integrity, with respect, and in the best interest of Cohasset.
