The St. Michaels commissioners voted 4-1 in a June 24 closed session to part ways with Town Manager Jean Weisman, according to her attorney.
In a June 30 statement, attorney Neil S. Hyman wrote on Weisman’s behalf:
Jean Weisman
“On June 24th, following a closed session of the Commissioners, Jean Weisman was informed by the Commissioners, that in a 4-1 vote, the Commissioners had decided to go in a different direction and her 37 years of employment with the town, the last 10 as Town Manager, was at an end.
“At this time, Mrs. Weisman is considering her next steps and exploring her options.
“Mrs. Weisman would like to thank the citizens of the Town for the opportunity to have served them for the past 37 years, and is grateful for all of the kind words and encouragement she has received since last week.”
Hyman’s law firm, according to its website, focuses on employment law.
William Boos says
Unbelievable…a new low even for this group of Commissioners.
Joan Murray says
I was distressed to read that Ms. Jean Weisman had been let go as Town Manager of St. Michaels. Ever since 2011, Ms. Weisman has been my lifeline to the Town of St. Michaels. As a new resident, I often had many questions involving town policies, and Ms. Weisman always answered my emails very quickly with all the information I needed.
Ms. Weisman has such vast knowledge of the inner workings of this small, but incredibly vibrant town; it will be very difficult to replace her.
I hope the residents of St. Michaels will be given an explanation as to why the Commissioners “decided to go in a different direction.”Thank you,Joan D. Murray
Jim Fulton says
This is puzzling, to say the least. Jean is liked and respected by everyone I know. Given the suddenness of this action, residents of the town deserve some explanation. St. Michaels is a small town and there are few secrets. Remaining silent is not a workable strategy.
Michael Estrella says
After reading this piece from Jean’s attorney and reading the thoughts of other on social media and having conversations with other community notables, I am left with a few burning questions. 1-What reason was used to justify her termination? 2-Did they really use the lame out of “going in a different direction”? 3-Did they appraise her as not being supportive or as being inflexible before they played their Roman Senator act? The night before their knifing took place one commissioner publicly praised her for working closely with him on budget matter and yet the following night he knifed her anyway. One of the problems I am having with this assassination is the reliability of what is said by the assassins themselves. Over the history of this current commission, adherence to facts and truth don’t seem to be as important as they should be in government. Three of the four (all the men) who voted for assassination seem to have mislead their peers and the general public. If we cannot trust these guys to speak truths, how can we trust their judgment on on anything?
Dennis Glackin, former Town Commissioner says
Jean is a consummate professional. She knew the history of the town and why and how things were done in the past. Her institutional knowledge is irreplaceable. For the four commissioners who voted to terminate her to offer no reason, other than to “go in a different direction” (whatever that means), is unacceptable. This is a group of commissioners who ran in the last election on a promise of transparency and keeping citizens informed. However, it has been almost a week since this happened and we have heard nothing from them. If they had a sense of decency they would have handled this very differently and apprised the town of why such a move was necessary. Disgraceful.
Carol Parlett says
Too much time has passed for the Town Commissioners not to be forthcoming about the reason they have chosen to take such a drastic action as to the sudden firing of Jean Weisman on June 24th.
Why are you not telling the St Michaels community the reason(s)? What is the mystery? Where is the transparency?
We as residents, business owners & tax payers have the right to know, or is this just another example of some people know, but others don’t? Time to step up!
Cheril Thomas says
I have known Jean Weisman for more than thirty-five years and worked with her for twenty years. While Jean is recognized throughout the state as a professional and knowledgeable town executive, she is regarded in this area as a go-to person for anything to do with the Town of St. Michaels. Her institutional knowledge of town operations is unmatched and is a valuable town resource.
Jean is also a kind and generous person many of us have been honored to call our friend. Traditionally, in St. Michaels, town executives leave their positions with well-wishes and a framed copy of the Town seal to thank them for their service. Mine hangs in a place of honor in my home. It breaks my heart to know that someone so devoted to St. Michaels for more than half her life left without even a ‘thank you.’ Surely a better way could have been found to accomplish these four Commissioners’ goals.
Karen Weisman says
Well said, Cheril. Thank you for finding the words that I could not articulate.
Trish Payne says
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Cheril. Jean Weisman was one of most cherished assets to our St. Michaels Community and will be SORELY missed!!
Keith Alan Watts says
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
Hamlet, Act I, Scene IV, ~ William Shakespeare.
“Political corruption is a major theme in the play.” https://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/quotes/famous/something-rotten-state-denmark/
Joan M McNamara says
It is sad and disappointing that Jean Weisman has been terminated by the Commissioners of St. Michaels. Her understanding of municipality operations was comprehensive and she was always willing to share her wisdom. As a newcomer to the area 5 years ago, she was the “go-to” person whose authoritarian voice was not only heard but praised. I was in attendance at the Commissioners meeting several years ago when she was celebrated for her longevity and excellent work as Town Manager. If the current Commissioners have parted ways with her because they see the Town moving in another direction – I’m concerned where they want St. Michaels to wind up! Such an ambiguous statement that belies any transparency is not only discouraging, but seems to be the modus operandi of this group on numerous topics affecting the community. The residents of St. Michaels deserve a better explanation. At the end of the day, the Commissioners will be hard pressed to find a person with the skill set, professionalism and historical knowledge to replace this gracious lady.
Andy Hollis says
Short and to the point.
There is no one more dedicated to public service for the benefit of the citizens of St. Michaels than Jean Weisman.
Max Schell says
This coup has quite obviously been in the planning stages for more than several months. The burning question(s) requiring immediate answers is exactly
who, and names need to be outed, is behind the commissioners nefarious plot. They did not do this alone…, your fellow citizens and neighbors unbeknown
to other citizens and residents of St. Michaels have been and are a part of this. Find them now before the next “behind closed-doors” clandestine action
takes place to the detriment of the town, and the St. Michaels lifestyle we so enjoy!!
Tony Kupersmith says
I always found working with Jean a pleasure. She was organized, well-informed on issues, and very reasonable. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Debbie Jackson says
I heard this news from an employee and I immediately responded that this could not possibly be true. As time went on I found out that it was, in fact, true.
I’m still trying to figure out what the standard corporate doublespeak “taking a new direction “means. Really??
Absent a clearer explanation for cause, those who voted for this should be gone, not Jean.
Lisa Repetti says
In my many years in the corporate world “taking a different direction” usually means we want to find someone younger, less experienced and less expensive who is less likely to say no. I sincerely hope that is not the case here.
Ann Borders says
Elections have consequences – This is what happens when you elect someone who wants to govern like a dictator. ie; Mike Bibb. Mike started this coup with his “conversations with a commissioner” meetings. Plotting to get his way. Convincing folks; I know best; Only I can fix it. Just listen, he can’t complete a sentence without the word “I” in it.
So if the citizens of St. Michaels want to know what they can do, there is an election in May 2022. Start by voting the dictator out of office. That will not remedy the wrong done here, but it may prevent the Commission from taking the Town in some secretive unknown direction.
As to Jean, we can only hope she sues the pants off of them.
Marlyn Claire Zyvitski says
During the last few years, I attended many commissioner’s meetings and Jean was knowledgeable, professional, hardworking, and dedicated to Saint Michaels. I was upset to learn of her forced departure.
I cannot imagine how she must feel, but I had to go on the record by telling the Commissioners of Saint Michaels how disappointed I was to read her announcement.
To be cast aside after 37 years is unacceptable in my opinion. This is a woman who should be celebrated for her years of service.
Terye Reese Knopp says
Commissioners who promise transparency . Well I fail to see it . I see a portion of this group pushing the law right to its extreme limit . There is the Open Meetings Act with very specific rules that are to be followed . We as a community must stand and demand for open meetings and transparency . Jean Weisman was a dedicated public servant to this community for 37 years . Her wealth of knowledge in every aspect of running this town is going to be greatly missed . As for their excuse of “we’re moving in a different direction” Well what direction might that be ? Which member of the commissioners has received the mandated training and serves as the designated Open Meetings Act expert? The MD Open Meetings Act clearly states you will disclose who attended the closed session, disclose every topic that was discussed and what actions were taken . We have seen the actions taken by the firing of Town Manager Jean Weisman . Now let’s hear Why? You are elected officials , you work for the people and the people would like to know WHY?