HARRISON — Selectman Edwin Rolfe Jr. has asked to see the buyout figures for Town Manager Brad Plante’s contact, but the majority of board members say they have no intention of letting the question go any further than a discussion.

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” said board Vice Chairman Dan Schorr when asked if Rolfe’s question indicates a move by the board or board members to oust the town manager.

Rolfe’s question came near the end of a July 21 board meeting and on the heels of a question by Selectwoman Lisa Villa about about the status of the Plante’s annual evaluation.

Rolfe, who was elected to a three-year term in 2008, has repeatedly declined to comment on his question, but the board has agreed to bring it up as an agenda item at the regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 4.

Plante was hired last year to replace Town Manger Michael Thorne, who resigned after holding the post for 21 years. Thorne was recently hired as interim town manager in Paris to replace Sharon Jackson, who was fired last month.

Selectmen, including Villa, Schorr and Bill Goodwin, say they support Plante. Chairman Bill Winslow could not be reached for comment.

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Villa said there have been some concerns over the past year but the board and town manager have worked “very hard” to address them.

“There have been certainly some concerns and issues raised but they’re something selectmen have addressed and discussed with the town manager quite a while ago,” Villa said. The concerns related to personnel matters and she was not comfortable discussing the specifics, she said.

“In a past evaluation I’ve given him a satisfactory review,” said Villa of Plante’s six-month probationary evaluation. She said she was asking the board when Plante’s first full-year evaluation would take place when Rolfe asked about the buyout figures.

Schorr said he was also happy with Plante’s work as town manager and has no intentions of pursuing action that may lead to not renewing his contract.

Plante, who is in the second year of a three-year contract, said he has been assured that his position with the town is secure.

“I’m not going to comment on it,” he told the Sun Journal on Friday. “I’ve already spoken to my chairman (Bill Winslow) about it and I can assure you nothing will come of it.”

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Paul Mattson, who serves as chairman of the Harrison Republican Committee but was not speaking on its behalf, said he was surprised to hear the question being asked during an open session of the board.

“That’s the problem with the board. They can’t act professionally and get beyond the personality conflicts and do the people’s business,” said Mattson in an e-mail to the Sun Journal.

Mattson said he believes a buyout of the town manger would approach $120,000 or more.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 in the town hall.

ldixon@sunjournal.com


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