In controversial vote, Swampscott extends administrator’s contract

SWAMPSCOTT – In the discussion prior to a vote on the town administrator?s contract extension, Swampscott Selectman Barry Greenfield said those who were protesting the extensions were hiding their true feelings.Greenfield said those who were asserting that he and Chairman Jill Sullivan, both stepping down in April, were “handcuffing” the new board to Town Administrator Thomas Younger don?t think he?s doing a good job.?You can make up all the arguments you want, but I question why people don?t just say it,” said Greenfield.Selectman Glenn Kessler, who spoke against the extension, responded to Greenfield?s claims, interjecting, “That?s ridiculous, Barry.”?Well, say what you want,” said Greenfield.Greenfield first proposed the idea to extend Younger?s contract after an executive session meeting on the issue in January. The contract was not up for renewal until June 2015 and would be automatically renewed five months prior if the board made no action, which were the reasons Kessler used to protest against the extension to 2017. Kessler said he meant no disrespect to Younger, but rather questioned the “unnecessary” process. “What?s the hurry?”Greenfield said Younger was “attractive to other communities.” The board revealed that two other towns had reached out to Younger to inquire about his contract.The board went on to vote for the extension, 3-2, with Greenfield, Sullivan and Selectman Matthew Strauss voting yes, and Kessler and Selectman John Callahan voting no.In addressing Strauss, Kessler and Callahan, who will remain on the new board, Younger said he looks forward to working with the same 24/7 dedication to the new chairman. “For any personal issues, please feel free to contact me and we can talk,” said Younger. “You have my dedication. We are all here for the same reason, to work for our residents and do what we can to be the top community on the North Shore.”Two residents showed up to protest the extension. Mary Ellen Fletcher said it was concerning to her to see the board divided on the topic, and she didn?t see the point of extending the contract so far in advance.Richard Feinberg said he believed the board would be making a mistake by tying the hands of the new board because there would be no “check and balance.”?I would think long and hard about what you are going to do,” said Feinberg.At his request, Sullivan read to Feinberg that Younger?s extension contained the same two percent annual raise, as well as “a small change in vacation time, a small change in the gas card, and (Younger) agreed to an extension in time he would give to town if he were to leave.”Despite Feinberg?s protest to the extension, he rose from his seat to shake Younger?s hand and congratulate him after the vote.