Politics & Government
ABOUT TOWN: Crimmins Resigns as Stoughton’s Town Manager
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Updated at 10 p.m. on 1/25:
About Town has confirmed that Stoughton has resigned his position as of March 31, 2012.
He was hired in January of 2010 by a 3-2 vote of the Board of Selectmen.
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Current Chairman of the Board of Selectman told me today [Wednesday, January 25] that asking that his contract be terminated as of March 31, 2012.
"Frank has done a good job, and we'll discuss this resignation with the Board. It's a personal decision. We'll get through it."
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Calls to Crimmins to ask why he resigned, and if he's taking a position elsewhere, have not been returned.
Stagnone praised Crimmins saying, "He put a lot of good things in place and has hired a number of good people in important positions in town hall."
Crimmins was hired after previous Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz left to take the Town Manager's position in Plymouth. Selectman Chairman at the time, Steve Anastos, recruited Crimmins from his position as First Justice of the .
It caused a bit of controversy at the time because Crimmins, due to his job constraints, could not participate in public interviews.
He was hired by a 3-2 vote, with Anastos, John Anderson and Joe Mokrisky voting for him. Mokrisky is not currently on the Board, but is for office.
"It's very unfortunate," Mokrisky said. "There have been some members of the Board of Selectmen micro-managing the Town Manager. They should set policy and let the town manager do his job. Some selectmen see to want to get elected for their own personal agendas, rather than the good of the town. I'm sad to see Frank go."
Anastos tells me that he was quite disappointed. He wrote, "I am very grateful for his service. This is a big loss for Stoughton. Judge Crimmins is a great public servant and a great American."
Anderson said, "I am disappointed. He is a good leader. The department heads were unified under his leadership. I don't know what the impact will be. Frannie righted a tough ship. He had the town's best interest at heart."
Selectman Cynthia Walsh added, "I'm grateful he's giving us two months to find a replacement. I'm sure he'll find something better suited for his talents in the future. I hope that the structure he set up, and the people he hired, will remain in place during the transition period."
Police Chief Paul Shastany contacted at his , said, "I've never worked for a better boss in my life. I've been working since I was 11. I'm sad to see him go. It's a loss that will be felt for years in this town." Shastany had just come in from a ten-man 2.6 mile "trot."
Public Works Superintendent John Batchelder wasn't happy upon hearing the news.
"He will be sorely missed by all of the department heads in town," Batchelder said. "We all worked well together. He was always very professional and did a lot for the people of this town. He stuck up for the municipal side of government."
Crimmins has been battling with the over the past year.
Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, Superintendent of Schools, only kind words for Crimmins. She told me, "People have to do what's best for themselves, their families, and their careers. It's a personal decision. I wish him all the luck in the world."
Calls to Crimmins have not been returned.
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