Boschetto Gives Details on TA Firing

More details have emerged on the reasons behind firing former town administrator Fred Turkington.

In a lengthy statement made during the Wednesday, Oct. 2 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, Selectmen Vice Chairman Tony Boschetto specified that he had “concerns” about Turkington’s performance and wanted the town to head in a “new direction” with a greater focus on fiscal management.

·      On Aug. 7, Turkington informed the selectmen his annual review deadline was Sept. and noted the raise he would receive under his contract, according to Boschetto.

·      As a result, Boschetto asked for the Aug. 26 agenda item, which was vague, under which the board fired Turkington without cause. Also, Boschetto said he reviewed the contract and its job description, salary and benefit sections.

·      Based on his observations, and hearing concerns from residents, about Turkington’s philosophy and management style, “I believed the majority of the electorate was looking for a new approach,”

·      The weekend prior to the Aug. 26 meeting, Boschetto said he reviewed various options for Turkington’s departure, including not renewing his contract and terminating him. He also weighed the costs of the options.

·      Boschetto said he followed the process for terminating Turkington and never spoke to other selectmen prior to and outside of the Aug. 26 meeting. He called the approach “the definition of transparency.”

·      Also, Boschetto detailed his new direction. “It is focused on responsible budgeting, prudent financial reporting and solid business practices such that we can fund services and manage the tax burdens for our citizens.”

·      Boschetto’s statement was part of the larger discussion on whether to confirm and ratify the Aug. 26 termination of Turkington. The board, in a 3-2 vote, again approved firing Turkington.

REBUTTAL

·      Selectman Steve Correia, in detail, explained Turkington had reduced expenses and taxes down during his tenure and efforts to raise additional revenue for the town. He also highlighted Turkignton’s work on the Town Center, which has generated additional revenue. “Our town administrator worked endlessly over the last six years in trying to avoid overrides.”

·      “He was working with all the department levels,” Correia said, also highlighting Turkington’s efforts at making the town government more efficient. 

For more details, see the video of the meeting.