Council clash exposes charter divide in Portsmouth | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay
Portsmouth's town council experienced a contentious debate over a proposed two-member advisory panel for hiring department heads, revealing a divide between the town administrator and council members over the extent of council authority. The resolution, proposed by Council member Mary McDowell, would have allowed council members to participate in the interview process for a new finance director.
Town Administrator Richard Rainer told the council that the charter does not allow council members to recommend or interview candidates for hiring positions. Solicitor Joe Larisa took a different legal interpretation, stating that the charter does not prohibit council participation in interviews, as long as council members do not direct the administrator whom to hire.
The debate exposed the fundamental disagreement over the council's authority and its relationship with the town administrator.
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