Stoughton town manager Tom Calter released a statement Wednesday over the ongoing turmoil between him and police chief Donna McNamara and denied interfering with the Sandra Birchmore murder case.
Both Calter and McNamara were placed on paid leave by the select board pending an independent investigation into accusations made against each other and McNamara’s lawsuit against Calter.
On Tuesday, the Stoughton fire and public works unions voted no confidence in Calter.
The chief was terminated by Calter several weeks ago claiming a town employee complained of her management style.
McNamara said her termination was due to a coordinated effort by Calter to remove her from her position.
Calter denies McNamara’s accusation that he tried to force her to destroy an investigative report related to the Sandra Birchmore murder case.
Former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell is accused of murdering Birchmore allegedly to silence her about his sexual relationship with her when she was a teen.
Calter stated that he did not ask McNamara to quote “destroy, alter, suppress, or otherwise interfere with any investigation or investigative report concerning Sandra Birchmore. I would never make such a request.”
He went on to state, “Because the Town of Stoughton’s investigation remains ongoing, there are limits to what I can appropriately discuss at this time. I have respected that process and maintained my silence at the Town’s request. I look forward to having the opportunity to clear my name and reputation when the investigation is complete.
“However, in light of recent statements made by Chief McNamara and her legal team, I believe it is important to correct several other inaccurate claims:
- When Chief McNamara was placed on administrative leave on July 7, she was not given any ultimatum or demand to consider.
- The allegations of harassment are baseless. My telephone and email records will demonstrate that I have had no communication with Chief McNamara since July 7. The only subsequent communication was a text message intended solely to coordinate attorneys’ schedules, which was reviewed and approved by Town Labor Counsel.
- Chief McNamara and her attorney have repeatedly stated that she was placed on leave because she filed a harassment complaint against me. That is not accurate. The harassment complaint was filed 16 days after she was placed on leave. There was no communication between us during that period.
“I am also disappointed by the recent vote of no confidence by members of the Fire and DPW unions. While I respect the right of employees and their representatives to express their views, I stand firmly by the work I have done and the progress we have made during my four years serving the Town of Stoughton. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and remain confident in the record of my tenure as Town Manager.
“I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and have followed the Town’s direction throughout this process. While I am on paid administrative leave, I am not able to conduct business in my capacity as Town Manager, which is why I did not participate in Town meetings last month.
“My focus remains on allowing the investigative process to run its course, protecting the integrity of that process, and ensuring that the truth is ultimately known. I remain confident that a complete and impartial investigation will establish the facts and resolve these allegations.”
In response to Calter’s statement, McNamara’s attorney stated to WATD news that, quote, “We believe that the record speaks for itself and that the evidence directly contradicts Mr. Calter’s recent statements.
“We believe that the evidence and history are on Chief McNamara’s side. The people of Stoughton have made their voices heard, and barely a day goes by that we do not hear of another act of abuse by Mr. Calter.
“The way he chooses to address those he feels are subordinate to him is painfully transparent.
“The difference today is that many of those people, including labor leaders, current and former officials in two towns and Chief McNamara, are not choosing to remain quiet any longer.
“We believe that the evidence and history are on Chief McNamara’s side. The way he chooses to address those he feels are subordinate to him is painfully transparent.”
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