RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 on Monday to appoint Police Chief Stacy Carter as acting town manager, taking over for Linda-Jean Briggs, who was suspended with pay Friday.

Carter, who has served as interim town manager before, began his new duties Tuesday. He said the appointment is “with the understanding that this is a short-term venture … It’s not anything I aspire to do.”

Carter’s hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on regular Town Office days.

His police chief duties will be handled by Capt. Dan Garbarini.

Vice Chairman Peter Chase said, “We need somebody in that position to right the ship during this period of time … This is just a stopgap between where we are right now and when we go to resolve the issue with the current town manager.”

Chase said, “He is doing this strictly to help the town of Rumford get going on with the business that needs to be taken care of.”

Selectmen voted 3-2 Friday to suspend Briggs, who is in the first year of a three-year contract. The action was taken after an hourlong emergency executive session, after which the board had no comment on the reason for their decision.

Selectmen will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

Rumford Police Chief Stacy Carter, left, addresses selectmen Monday after accepting an appointment as acting town manager. Selectmen John Pepin, center, and Vice Chairman Peter Chase, right, were joined by fellow board members Jim Windover and Mark Belanger. Chairman Chris Brennick was absent. (Rumford Falls Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

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