Stoughton appoints acting town manager amid police chief dispute

The town of Stoughton has appointed a new Acting Town Manager as the community navigates a public dispute between the police chief and Town Manager Tom Calter.

Town Manager Tom Calter was placed on paid leave after a closed executive session Wednesday night. Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara was also placed on paid leave.

Assistant Town Manager Marc Tisdelle will step in to Calter’s role as acting town manager for the time being.

“On July 29, Stoughton’s Select Board appointed me as the Acting Town Manager. For several years I have served as the Assistant Town Manager and Town Engineer, and this is my third time accepting the role of Acting Town Manager during my 15-year tenure,” Tisdelle shared in a message on Facebook. “I want to assure you that normal operations will continue. We have a great team of employees that always step up when needed. If anyone has any questions, I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you.”

McNamara claims that she was forced off the job after filing a harassment complaint against the town. Recently, she filed a lawsuit, alleging breach of contract, discrimination, and a coordinated effort to remove her from her position.

According to McNamara’s attorney, Leah Barrault, the lawsuit filed claims that on July 7, a senior member of the police department allegedly reported that McNamara had spoken harshly to him and caused workplace stress. McNamara’s attorneys claim no written complaint was provided to her or her legal counsel and no fact-finding investigation was conducted before Calter allegedly demanded that she resign “with dignity” or face immediate termination.

Additionally, Barrault claims that Calter wanted McNamara out as chief.

Calter was noticeably absent for a Tuesday night selectboard meeting. He has not responded to any of Boston 25’s requests for comment on why he had decided to appoint an acting police chief to replace McNamara.

Both members are being placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the dispute.

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