A long-running disagreement between a board member and a former alderman has escalated into an informal investigation.
At the end of a board meeting Tuesday, former member Paula Johnson made another appeal for Ward 3 Alderman Diane Sheehan’s apology concerning a verbal altercation that apparently took place between them in September outside Main Dunstable Elementary School.
Johnson voiced outrage over Sheehan’s conduct, as well as over a letter Board President Brian McCarthy sent her responding to the situation.
She read his letter, which “represents his findings,” into the public record.
In it, McCarthy stated that his investigation didn’t “indicate misconduct” on Sheehan’s part. He described a conversation the women allegedly had during which Johnson made “several facial gestures” and “body language that showed contempt” for what Sheehan said.
“I will state that I have seen this behavior from you numerous times in the past, and have no reason to suspect that is not true,” he wrote.
“I intend to seek no further remedy on your behalf. If she (Sheehan) chooses not to apologize as you have demanded, that is her right.”
Sheehan hasn’t addressed the issue publicly.
As Johnson recited the last part of McCarthy’s letter, an argument over the situation continued in the City Hall chambers.
“This is what really gets me … because we live in a democracy and not a dictatorship,” Johnson said.
“If you are planning to run for office, a decent respect for public opinion would demand that you declare your intention prior to any further commentary on the actions of sitting aldermen,” McCarthy wrote, referring to his overhearing that Johnson intends to run for alderman again. Johnson was an alderman-at-large a decade ago.
Johnson said the public will know if she chooses to run in August, when she would file papers.
As she continued, McCarthy interjected, “In this country, it’s rude to point at people.”
“It’s rude for a sitting alderman to attack a citizen,” Johnson snapped back.![]()
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