Franklin Matters: Danello appointed "Temporary Town Clerk"

Friday, September 18, 2020

Danello appointed "Temporary Town Clerk"

September 18, 2020

Thomas D. Mercer, Chair
Town Council
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Dear Chairman Mercer:

Due to the resignation of Teresa M . Burr as the Town Clerk effective today, I have been advised by the Town Attorney that I am the appointing authority for any temporary appointment to the position of Town Clerk. Town Charter Article 3 Section 3-2 defaults to general law regarding the replacement of the Town Clerk position. Thus, state law governs both the temporary and permanent replacement of this position.

Therefore, pursuant to MGL chapter 44 section 14, MGL chapter 4 section 7, and MGL chapter 41 section 19E, I hereby appoint Nancy Danello to the position of "Temporary Town Clerk" until the next regularly scheduled town election, which falls on November 2, 2021. Additionally, pursuant to general law, an election to fill the position of Town Clerk must be held at a regularly scheduled election. There is no statutory provision to allow for a special election to fill the position.

Ms. Danello has my full confidence to lead the Town Clerk's Office through the upcoming elections. At this critical juncture, it is essential to have someone lead the upcoming elections who is familiar with the Town and has the local experience of our elections system, staff and town geography. In meetings with her this week to debrief and evaluate the most recent state primary, I am confident the appropriate measures will be taken to ensure there will not be a repeat of that event and that every ballot will be processed and counted on time and within the parameters set out by state statute governing elections.

Warm regards

Jamie Hellen
Town Administrator

Karen Bratt , Human Resources Director
Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

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Statement on Nancy Danello Temporary Appointment

“On behalf of the Town Council, I share our Town Administrator's confidence in the ability of Ms. Danello to lead the Franklin Town Clerk’s office through the upcoming elections. I believe it is crucial at this time that the Town has someone lead that office who is familiar with Franklin’s local election footprint. I am also not surprised to hear many of our current municipal staff will be temporarily reassigned to assist the Clerk’s Office through the November election. This is welcome news and I thank all of them for their incredible team spirit.

This will be one of the most important elections in our country’s history and expect record-breaking voter turnout. The Town must do whatever it takes to ensure flawless elections in November and December.”

Thomas D. Mercer, Chair

Franklin Town Council

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“I am honored to serve in this temporary capacity to help lead our community in this historic election. I pledge to every voter in town that we will do whatever it takes to ensure confidence in our elections. Over the past week, I have already made many adjustments and investments in staff recruitment and equipment in order to be fully prepared. I will also be working closely with the staff at Secretary Galvin’s Office throughout the November election. I encourage any resident who may have any questions to contact the Town Clerk’s Office in

order to provide the best customer service possible.”

Nancy Danello

Temporary Town Clerk