Object to Corriveau firing in voting booth

Let me begin by stating I am not a resident of the city of Watertown. I did, however, spend 32 years of my life working for the city, therefore I continue to have an interest in the city itself.

During the latter part of my career with the Watertown Police Department, I held a position in administration and following the untimely death of our chief of police I became a department head working very closely with Mary Corriveau, especially during budget sessions and contract negotiations with the police union. As a result of this working relationship, I learned Mrs. Corriveau was a very dedicated city leader. She is very hardworking and often works into the evening hours on issues needing her attention. She must be absolutely crushed by the recent decision of the three “outstanding” (used very loosely) council members.

I do commend Mayor Jeff Graham and council member Teresa Macalusco for standing their ground during this very questionable time. What prompted this poor decision to not renew Mrs. Corriveau’s contract and what is the motive behind it? I, as others, can read between the lines and with no proper explanation given for this decision can just imagine what spurred these three council members to act in this manner.

Is it because one of the council members wishes to take over the job? Is it to shift the media coverage away from a council member? Or is it a case of one council member blindly following the others? I cannot vote in the city elections, but I sincerely hope the city voters keep in mind what has occurred and voice their objections in the voting booth.

Otis “Nick” Reff

Dexter