Moderator candidate defends his record - Sweeney, ex-town manager, says he did well

By RICK COLLINS
The Patriot Ledger

You can't say former Braintree town administrator-turned-candidate for town moderator William Sweeney is trying to hide from his controversial past.

His opponent, Albion "Dick" Fletcher, had just told those at Thursday night's candidate forum sponsored by the Braintree League of Women Voters that his political résumé included membership on several study groups in the town.

"I can tell you," Sweeney started, "that I've been the subject of a number of those study committees. And I think I've fared quite well."

In 1999, Sweeney resigned as town administrator after spending more than a year in the midst of a political firestorm that saw town meeting refuse to pay him as part of a disagreement with selectmen. Some credit lingering bitterness over the episode with setting in motion the civic effort that resulted in the coming switch to a mayoral form of government.

But, as Sweeney argued in a recent interview, few ever questioned his competence, even during the furor, and he still retains a number of loyal supporters.

Thursday night he touted his leadership skills, saying he's the man who should wield the gavel at the town's last few town meetings.

"I believe I can be a good moderator, I believe I can be a great moderator," he said. "I would like to be the last moderator."

While not directly attacking Sweeney, Fletcher pointedly said that he would be an impartial moderator because he has purposely avoided becoming entangled in the "personalities and factions" present in town government over the years.

Both men said they would like to see membership of boards under the control of the moderator, such as the finance committee and personnel board, remain the same, and both said they would preside over town meeting using the protocols laid out by Robert's Rules of Order and the town bylaws.

Fletcher said he would allow nonmembers of meeting to speak, a departure from past practice.

While Fletcher said he has no interest in running for town council or mayor, Sweeney said his decision will hang largely on how he does in the election.

"I won't specify which race, but I will be in the field," he said.

Rick Collins may be reached at rcollins@ledger.com.