Chapman Suspended, Council Wants More Moore

The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism. John C. Calhoun
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/transition

The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism. John C. Calhoun
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/transition

"The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism."   ~John C. Calhoun

In a move that was little surprise to most who follow city politics, the City Council voted Wednesday, March 28th to oust City Manager Timothy Chapman and appoint Finance Director Malcolm Moore as Acting City Manager, a role he will take on while also serving as Finance Director. 

As expected, the vote was 3-2 with resolution sponsor Anna Sousa supported by Councilors Botelho and Faria. Councilor Britto and Briden both supported Mr. Chapman. Britto cited what he felt were successes for the city under Mr. Chapman, noting the new Cumberland Farms and the potential new High School. Mr. Briden cited the ongoing labor negotiations, and that the city would be pulling its negotiator and changing to someone else mid-stream. Councilor Faria commented that it has been 16 months with only the Firefighter's Contract complete, Briden responded that labor contracts take a significant amount of time, and Faria noted that the Chapman has not followed the timeline he gave the Council.

Councilor Botelho, reading from a statement, said that the city needs someone in the City Manager's position that believes in the incoming Mayoral form of government and is willing to provide a smooth transition. Botelho cited an "illusion of democracy" and the forces that manipulate the city. Botelho alluded that if a public hearing is held at Mr. Chapman's request, that he would be prepared, but would prefer not to drag anyone through the mud.

After the vote was taken, Mr. Chapman walked out, hugging School Committee Member Jessica Beauchaine and other supporters as he exited the chambers. Chapman was suspended, one gentleman, identified as Solicitor Greg Dias brother-in-law yelled "embarrassment!" repeatedly and called the Council "traitors".

The Council then took up the appointment of Malcolm Moore as Acting City Manager. The vote was again 3-2, with Britto asking about whether Moore would be resigning his position as Finance Director or serving in both capacities. Botelho responded that he would be serving in both capacities and noted Paul Luba, the city's financial overseer would be able to assist on financial matters.

When Sousa asked people to be patient because the Council could not discuss reasons for termination unless Mr. Chapman asked for a hearing, some heckled "no" and when asked to support the new Acting City Manager, more "no" responses came. Faria stated, in support of Moore, "any issue brought to me by a constituent or taxpayer, that man sought to resolve" Faria recounted a story of Moore and his team coming back to take care of taxpayers who weren't notified that city hall had closed early on New Years Eve.

Faria also noted "I see many people in the audience that are opposed to this that were opposed when we appointed Mr. Chapman." to which Botelho chimed in "That's true," Faria continued "so we understand the political factor in this." Briden stated that he had a good relationship with Moore as Finance Director but felt it would not be appropriate for him to serve in both capacities.

It is uncertain at this time if Mr. Chapman will choose to pursue a public hearing on his employment.