Tensions Rise Over Board Dysfunction, Town Counsel Debate

MARSHFIELD - Members and residents voiced mounting frustrations over board dysfunction and administrative practices at the June 16 Marshfield Select Board meeting, while longtime town counsel Bob Galvin received overwhelming support amid speculation that his position could be put out to bid.

Select Board member Steve Darcy announced plans to bring two significant motions to the board’s next meeting on June 30: one to formally add a previously removed Pride Proclamation back onto the agenda, and another to initiate a board reorganization vote. Darcy criticized the board’s recent conduct and the chair’s control over the agenda-setting process, framing it as emblematic of deeper structural problems.

“We’re fighting with other boards and departments in town,” Darcy said. “We’re not working cohesively together as a team and we’re just not getting business done as efficiently as we should be.” He cited the chair’s last-minute removal of the Pride Proclamation from the agenda as “the last straw,” sparking his motion to revisit both agenda processes and leadership roles.

Darcy emphasized that per procedure, if a majority of the board supports adding an item to the agenda, it must be included. “If two members of a select board make a motion during a meeting, it gets seconded, and it receives a majority vote of support… it goes on the agenda.”

Residents echoed this concern. One resident told the board, “It’s very disturbing that it [the Pride Proclamation] was removed from the agenda… especially if it was done by one person and one person only.” Another criticized board chair Eric Kelley’s conduct more broadly, citing “a pattern of behavior that includes isolating and insulting members of our community.”

The potential bid to replace town counsel Bob Galvin brought out many supporters. Community members, including department heads and residents, strongly opposed any change, praising Galvin’s legal record, accessibility, and institutional knowledge.

Police Chief Phil Tavares said, “Having the ability to contact him at any time is crucial.” He cited Galvin’s consistent support and expertise across critical cases, including multi-million-dollar litigation.

Longtime residents and former officials also weighed in. “He was not afraid to say no to power,” said one former town moderator. Another resident called Galvin “the most honest and dedicated attorney I have ever met.”

DPW Superintendent Sean Patterson said this against replacing Galvin midstream. “The town I worked in prior to coming here got rid of their town counsel after 32 years. It was an absolute disaster,” he said. “Be careful what you wish for.”

The board ultimately voted 2–1 to reappoint Bob Galvin to a new one-year term. No formal action was taken to begin a bidding process, and no timeline was set for revisiting the matter. As a result, Galvin will continue in his role, and the idea of soliciting bids remains unresolved.

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