Londonderry Town Manager Shaun Mulholland didn’t mince words during Monday’s Town Council meeting when he addressed the public and the Council about a number of allegation made recently, saying he doesn’t plan on quitting his job.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere. Just so we’re all clear about that. I have no intention whatsoever of resigning, because there is no good cause for me to do so,” Mulholland said.
During his address, Mulholland spoke on various topics that he claimed have been the subject of recent misinformation.
Fire Chief Hiring Process
One of the issues addressed was the process for hiring the town’s next fire chief, a concern raised during a recent meeting. Mulholland explained that he conducted a hiring process “which is consistent across New England and across the country.”
He noted that the town used an outside firm for the search, which included an assessment center where candidates spent a day being evaluated by four active fire chiefs.
“Some of the folks in our own department applied for that position,” Mulholland said. “They went through that as well.”
Mulholland described the process as very comprehensive, including interviews with himself and senior staff. “I implemented that process as soon as I got here,” he said.
Mulholland also addressed the salary for the position, stating he adjusted the pay to match the marketplace and the level of qualifications required-an action he said is permitted under the Town Charter.
“Our pay was not commensurate with the marketplace to be able to hire a qualified, trained person to do that,” he said, noting a long history of similar adjustments for various positions in town. “Hopefully [the candidate] still comes here in light of all the controversy that we have.”
Mulholland also expressed frustration that the name of the candidate offered the job was leaked. He explained that applicants expect confidentiality so as not to jeopardize their current employment.
“Unfortunately, that got leaked out. That’s not right,” Mulholland said.
Veterans Tax Credits
According to Mulholland, the Town Council adopted the credit in August, but because the town was already in the middle of a tax year, it does not take effect until 2026.
Mulholland, a veteran himself, spoke emotionally on the topic.
“Thousands of people went over there; some of them did not come back.
Most of them did not come back the same way they left. Probably most, if not all of them,” he said.
He noted that many veterans returned with injuries and mental health challenges. “If anybody thinks for a minute I don’t have respect for them… or would not do anything for the people that I served with… it is absolutely ridiculous,” Mulholland said.
Old Home Day
Finally, Mulholland addressed concerns regarding Old Home Day.
He explained that while he initially proposed the event be fully funded in his budget, he was asked to identify potential cuts if they became necessary. He suggested various options, including some reductions to the Old Home Day budget.
Mulholland also addressed rumors that the event’s new nonprofit status was illegal. He stated that this was untrue and noted that the town had received a legal opinion confirming its legality following the concerns raised.