Vying for a seat on the committee for Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Jeff LeBlanc and Richard P. Early Jr. will go before the Haverhill School Committee at its next meeting. Paul Bergman was the only other candidate to speak at last night’s meeting, with two dropping out on short notice, and a third failing to show up. LeBlanc and Early received the most votes from the committee members and are set to answer members’ questions before a final vote, in yet another departure from the plan first announced. Mary Ellen Daly O’Brien, who decided not to run, told WHAV, “I’m pulling my name from consideration for two reasons.
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.