Crabtree axed in Saugus

SAUGUS – After three hours of explaining the nine allegations against suspended Town Manager Scott Crabtree, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 in favor of his termination Wednesday night.As she had done in the past, Selectman Debra Panetta cast the lone vote to keep Crabtree in office.At 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Crabtree notified that board that he was withdrawing his request for a public hearing and would not be attending.”This seems to be a last-minute decision on his part,” Chairman Ellen Faiella said before a silent audience.Panetta explained that she had spoken with Town Counsel John Vasapolli, who advised against having the hearing without Crabtree there. Through his attorney, Andrew Gambaccini, Crabtree submitted a nine-page letter defending himself against each accusation.”I am very uncomfortable moving forward with this hearing,” said Panetta.Faiella, however, said she felt as though residents had “been waiting patiently” long enough for the board to elaborate on the allegations. She added that according to the Town Charter, the board had until Nov. 2 to hold a hearing and make a decision, something she said Vasapolli did not consider.”For six weeks, we have sat back not able to say anything,” said Vice Chairman Maureen Dever.As Faiella discussed each charge, a lack of communication between Crabtree and the board emerged as the overall theme.”There is a pattern here, a disturbing pattern,” said Dever.In a series of volleys with Faiella, Panetta maintained that it was still wrong to have the hearing as the board “did not follow the process.””You already decided what you were going to do before you got here this evening,” Panetta said.Faiella countered that Panetta had already made her decision as well.