A response from the state says Bob Mennealy’s complaints should be handled at the city level.
By Scott Taylor
Staff Writer

AUBURN – State officials have decided not to investigate one councilor’s allegations about City Manager Pat Finnigan.

But Councilor Bob Mennealy will continue investigations on his own, he said Thursday.

“All I asked for from the state was due process, and I got that,” Mennealy said. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t still have misgivings about what’s going on there. But I will pursue it now, through local channels.”

That was the state’s recommendation. In a short letter to Mennealy, Director of Investigation Brian MacMaster thanked Mennealy for bringing the matter to the state’s attention.

“Nothing in your communication suggests a basis for involvement by this office or other law enforcement agency,” MacMaster wrote. “Your concerns are ones that should be handled locally by the mayor and City Council, to whom the city manager is accountable.”

Mennealy filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s office on Sept. 3, accusing Finnigan of coercion and financial misconduct. Mennealy alleged that the city manager has verbally abused her staff for giving him public information.

He also blamed increases in taxes and service cuts on fiscal mismanagement.

Mayor Norm Guay said he was not surprised by the AG’s decision.

“I haven’t been pleased with any part of this,” Guay said. “I knew that this would be the response from the state. I just wish that protocol had been followed. I am sure that it will be, in the future.”

Guay and three of Mennealy’s fellow councilors criticized him for calling for a state investigation. Two councilors asked Mennealy to resign.

Guay echoed those sentiments Thursday.

“If any city councilor has concerns, they should first be brought before the council,” Guay said. “Then, they will be followed up.”

staylor@sunjournal.com