Selectman Says Definite Action Coming in Week
Manager Says He Had No Part in News Story
General Manager William C Kendrick denied vigorously charges made by Selectman John Mutch before the Norwood Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night that he may have had something to do with a story appearing in the Norwood Daily Messenger with regard to the awarding of the water survey contract, and that he was holding back the award. “I had nothing to do with the story and knew nothing of it and I have already talked with Mr. Pearson and am just waiting for him to submit a form of contract for approval”, the manager said after Selectman Mutch had delivered an ultimatum and stated that although he hated to separate a man from his job and his salary the boar could expect some definite action from him on the manager’s position next week.
Calling attention to what he termed a “garbled story” in the Messenger on the water contract and implying that—the General Manager may have had something to do with the story. Selectman Mutch said that he was sick and tired of what he termed “a continuous evasion of cooperation with the majority of the board.” He said that he felt that the board had consistently tried to give the manager every opportunity to cooperate with the board in their desires.
“Can’t Go Along”
Quoting the story which stated that the matter might be taken to court if Whitman and Howard were given the new contract rather than the Goodnough firm who have done some work on the survey for the town, and which implied that the manager did not intend to carry out the selectmen’s vote that it be awarded to Whitman Howard, Selectman Mutch said that he didn’t know how long the board could continue along these lines. “We are an elective body,” he concluded, “and are responsible to the people, and I am ready to say to the manager and the board that after giving the matter thought and consideration I have decided that I can not go along with it any longer I can’t understand the manager’s attitude.”
Mr. Kendrick, in reply, said that he felt the statement was unfair when Sir. JIutch was apparently unaware of the circumstances in connection with the story. He maintained that he had nothing to do with the story and knew nothing of it. He explained that he had seen Mr. Pearson and had given him all the information which he had on the work done by the Goodnough firm and that he was just waiting for the form of contract from him for approval.
Selectman Mutch said that he was aware of the fact that the manager had contacted Mr. Pcarson, but that he was tired of this continual garbling up of things and could not help feeling that the manager was part of it. Mr Kendrick answered that if he were to give out the facts he would certainly give out the correct ones and as Mr. Mutch knew the story was incorrect.
Holman Satisfied
Selectman Harry Butters called Selectman Mutch’s attention to the fact that a Messenger reporter had until recently sat in on the board meetings and could well have had a hand, at the information contained in the article. Selectman Charles Holman said that he did not believe this reporter wrote the story although he may have given some information, and stated that he was satisfied that the manager had nothing to do with the story. When Selecman Sture Nelson quoted to the board a correction of the facts which he had made to the publisher of the Messenger, Selectman Butters pointed out to him that the story on the interview had also been incorrect and that this mistake indicated that the other story was just another sample of wrong facts.
Selectman Herbert Brady entered the discussion to ask why the manager, when false facts were presented to the public, did not deny and rectify them, to which Selectman Harry Butters answered “Why don’t you answer them if you are so concerned?” He said that he thought a lot of foolish and unnecessary work was being thrust on the manager.
Selectman Mutch’s final statement was that he had made his statement, he had nothing more to say, and that next meeting night he was prepared to propose some action one way or another.
(All articles originally appeared in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)