To the editor:
To our residents: Don’t be misled.
Recent public statements and social media posts have attempted to mislead Swampscott residents about the settlement agreement with our former town administrator and the handling of employee matters. As Chair of the Select Board, I believe residents deserve the full facts — not politically motivated distortions.
First, the settlement was finalized and made public back in December 2024. Mr. Grishman, who now attacks the decision, was a member of the Board at the time and fully aware of the process. Posting this months-old document as a “new revelation” days before an election is a blatant political tactic, not a service to transparency.
Second, regarding the personnel investigation, Mr. Grishman’s selective presentation of events and omission of his personal involvement in the situation at the time has left critical context out of the narrative.
It is also worth noting that the board typically refrains from involving itself in individual employee matters unless absolutely necessary, a practice that respects both the rights of employees and the proper boundaries of governance. Ironically, the same individuals calling for employee privacy have themselves chosen to publicly criticize a town employee by name.
When facts are distorted, motives must be questioned. Swampscott deserves leadership that is honest, responsible, and focused on the real needs of our town, not personal vendettas disguised as concern.
I remain committed to leading with transparency, responsibility, and unwavering focus on what truly matters for Swampscott.
Mary Ellen Fletcher
Swampscott
