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Dewey needs to remove employee threat

August 10, 2017

The recent complaints filed by town employees and others against Town Manager Marc Appelbaum, and the failure of the town council to provide the needed action and relief for the employees is beyond comprehension. There is no legitimate reason for Appelbaum to still be allowed in Town Hall and interacting with the same people who lodged the complaints.

Reassigning supervision of the employees to the assistant town manager does nothing to remove the threat, liability and harm that can come from having Appelbaum still in direct proximity to the employees who have filed formal complaints and now a lawsuit. The complaint filed by the original group of employees was filed as whistleblower action. I'm no attorney, but believe the first duty of the governing body is to protect those who have been wronged from the person(s) who acted in the malicious, predatory or illegal manner.

The council has abrogated its fiduciary duty to the town by not removing Appelbaum from the situation, and this is in direct conflict with whistleblower situations and law that is intended to protect those who have been wronged. What does it take in this day and age for governing bodies (at every level) to do what's right for their constituents?

What has become of integrity, accountability and serving the will of the people they represent?

This abrogation of duty by the council is every bit as repugnant as the actions claimed by the employees. How can the mayor continue to put out press releases saying he supports the employees? Hogwash.

Dave Davis
Dewey Beach

 

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