This Day in Norwood History-October 24, 1944-Selectmen Set Precedent, Appoint Recreation Superintendent

Acting on the strength of an opinion that they had requested from Town Counsel Francis C. Foley, the Selectmen tonight cut the Gordian knot and appointed John E. Williams of 2 Douglas Circle as the new Superintendent of Recreational Activities in Norwood. The motion was made by Selectman Clement A. Riley and seconded by Selectman Michael Curran as follows: “Moved that the Board appoint John Williams to a temporary provisional appointment as part-time Superintendent of Recreational Activities.” The vote was 3 to 1, Selectman Nelson voting in the negative. This vote and motion were important and may have future repercussions. In the first place, it definitely broke the log jam which has been holding up the inauguration of the long-talked-of recreation program and allows it to go into immediate operation. In the second place, it set a precedent that may later be proved to be contrary to the intent and purpose of the Town Charter. By it, the Selectmen indicated that they feel that they, and not the General Manager, can, if they so desire, appoint town officials. Since the Charter was accepted by the town in 1914, it has generally been accepted that it is the responsibility of the Manager to appoint or discharge town employees.