ROCKLAND, Mass. — The Rockland Selectmen at the center of a recall effort has resigned Tuesday after an independent investigation found he lied about his involvement in a sex scandal within town hall.
Boston 25 News obtained a copy of the letter of resignation Edward Kimball submitted to Town Clerk Donna Shortall.
“We are in a period of tremendous turmoil and it was always my hope that I could work to help the community I love pull through this crisis and continue on the course that we have set over the last 10 years,” Kimball’s letter read. “The last few weeks have caused an amazing amount of stress on the people that I love most, my family. It became clear over the weekend that I need to concentrate my time, love, and effort on them.”
A group of residents filed an affidavit last week declaring their intention to recall Kimball.
"Mr. Kimball has done many good things for Rockland for more than a decade," Richard Penney, an organizer of the recall, told Boston 25 News. "I thank him for his service and am glad he made the decision he did earlier [Tuesday] for the good of the Town."
Kimball had been a selectmen since 2010.
Boston 25 News was first to break news of the sex scandal in May.
The town hired Discrimination and Harassment Solutions, LLC. to conduct an independent investigation after then-selectwoman Deidre Hall and Town Administrator Allan Chiocca accused each other of inappropriate behavior during an after-hours encounter at Town Hall on the evening of May 1st and early morning of May 2nd.
The investigation found Hall pressured Chiocca into the late-night sexual encounter
“Mrs. Hall used her position as a member of the Board of Selectmen, who was actively reviewing and would soon be voting on his request for contract extension and salary increase, to pressure him into engaging in sexual activities with her,” said Regina Ryan or Discrimination and Harassment Solutions
The report also found Hall and Kimball had been having an “intense physical and emotional affair” throughout March and April.
Earlier this month, Boston 25 News reported the investigation has already cost taxpayers more than $40,000.
Hall’s resigned July 10.
Chiocca remains on paid administrative leave. The town charter mandates no action can be taken against a town administrator without the vote of at least four board members.
With two vacant seats on the board, a special election now needs to be held.
The board is meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall. Items on the agenda include Discussion of Appointment of Interim Town Administrator, Opening Meeting Law Complaint July 19 and Resident Request – Recall Petition Status.
“This crisis will not last. This town will move forward,” Kimball said in his letter.
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