Jilted Saugus manager returns to N.H.

SAUGUS – Even as he prepares to return to his old job as town manager of Plaistow, N.H., on an interim basis, Sean Fitzgerald is pondering his options after the Saugus Board of Selectmen voided the contract he signed last month.Fitzgerald was chosen by the previous board in February, and was sworn in one day prior to a recall election March 17 that unseated four of those selectmen. The contract was subsequently voided one week later.He will have “interim” next to his name until Plaistow?s selects a permanent replacement this summer. The chairman of the Plaistow board has encouraged Fitzgerald to apply.And while he is happy for the support, he is still upset over what transpired in Saugus.?I applied in good faith to help a community that I believed was in crisis,” Fitzgerald said. “It appeared as though the town really needed a person to stay out of politics and focus on the need of its 26,000 residents.?So, I rolled up my sleeves and tried to research everything I could about the current challenges facing the community.”Fitzgerald hasn?t indicated that he?ll file suit, but he hasn?t ruled it out, either.?At this point, I?m still evaluating what we need to do to protect my best interests and my family?s,” Fitzgerald said. “A judge ruled that my contract is consistent with the town bylaws, but the board also has a right to act as they see fit. Two wrongs don?t make a right. It would have been much more prudent if I could have met with them before they took action.”Fitzgerald said the chain of events has put him and his family in jeopardy, and in a difficult position. But, he said, he is resolute.?At this point, I?m not going to speculate my future plans, but I signed a contract and swore an oath,” Fitzgerald said. “It seems unfair that opportunity was taken away from me. It just doesn?t seem right.”He is happy to accept an interim position in Plaistow.?It gives me a chance to continue a job that I have enjoyed,” Fitzgerald said. “I enjoy trying to help the people in Plaistow. It?s a wonderful community.”Plaistow?s Board of Selectmen Chair Steve Ranlett encouraged Fitzgerald to apply.?The board recognized that Sean has been dedicated to Plaistow over the seven years,” said Ranlett. However, he said, the board needs time to evaluate Fitzgerald?s status.?We all felt that it was best to keep him on as an interim manager to help support the transition, while we move forward with the selection process. He will received a $1,950 weekly stipend during the interim period,” said Ranlett.Ranlett said Fitzgerald left Plaistow without long-term debt, close to $3 million in financial reserves; employment contracts that have been settled for years to come; and tax stability for the past five years.