Haverhill School Committee members moved last night to narrow its choices to fill one of two seats on Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, but one of the candidates this morning chose to withdraw, citing in part the abrupt and unannounced change in the selection process. School Committee members decided Jeff LeBlanc and incumbent Richard P. Early Jr. would go before the Haverhill School Committee at its next meeting even though the Committee originally described an “anticipated selection date” of March 28. In an email to Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, Vice Chair Paul A. Magliocchetti and member Richard J. Rosa, LeBlanc said “I assure you if I had known of the multi week process beforehand I would not have submitted my materials.”
“Regrettably, I was unaware that this was a multi-week process. While I completely understand the necessity of this form of candidate vetting, I unfortunately must make a hard decision regarding my future time.
As Former Patrolman and School Committee Member Scott W. Wood Jr. seeks damages from Haverhill, a federal court judge pressed for answers on his employment status at the time he ceased being an officer for the city. Wood filed suit against Haverhill and Wenham last October, alleging breach of contract, wrongful termination, business interference and defamation on the part of current and former police chiefs in both communities. After seeing them trade briefs for around six months, Massachusetts District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick had the opportunity to clarify the legal issues at stake yesterday.
For the first time in at least many years, the Haverhill Fire Department is enjoying the beginnings of a surge in new recruits—both to replace retiring firefighters and fill 16 new federally funded positions. Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien late Thursday afternoon presided over the swearing in of two new recruits and three others being promoted. Assistant City Clerk Rose Leonard-Flynn administered the oath to officers Capt. Thomas Helps and Lts.
Haverhill is receiving millions of dollars in state financing help for its sewer projects this year, while Groveland will be receiving state help upgrading its well water treatment. Haverhill Public Works Director Robert E. Ward told WHAV most of the help comes in the form of low-interest rate financing—previously around 1.5% on a 20-year loan, but there is also a small amount of loan forgiveness granted to communities. “It is still a low-interest loan, but there is a little bit of forgiveness.