Earlier this afternoon, the Mayor of Easton, Megan Cook, released a statement that long-serving Town Manager Don Richardson and the Town of Easton have mutually agreed to end Richardson’s employment with the municipality.
Her statement reads:
“After careful consideration and ongoing discussions, the Town of Easton and Town Manager Donald “Don” Richardson have come to the mutual agreement to part ways effective August 5, 2024.
Richardson began his career with the Town of Easton in 2007, serving as a Code Official where he was instrumental in the Town of Easton Building Department becoming the first accredited building department in the State of Maryland through the IAS (International Accreditation Service). Richardson was then appointed to Town Manager by Mayor Bob Willey in September of 2016 and was instrumental in overseeing the administration, operations, and budget of multiple departments to best serve the Town of Easton.
During his tenure, Richardson was involved as a leader on numerous major projects, including Mistletoe Hall Commerce and Business Park, Housing on the Hill, Rails to Trails, Easton Point Park, and Stream Restorations. Terms regarding the separation are still being considered by both parties.
This difficult decision was made with the best interest and long-term health of the Town of Easton in mind and the continued success and well-being of our employees and community as our top priority. Personally, I appreciate the work and support Don provided when I served on the Council and again during my transition to the role of Mayor.
Easton Police Chief Alan Lowery has agreed to step in and take on the role of Interim Town Manager until we are able to hire for that position. I want to thank him for taking on this additional responsibility. Our focus is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the excellent services we provide to our community.
I’m so proud of our team and all the work we do on behalf of our citizens. I want to continue to build on the great services and offerings for this community — making our town a leader on the Shore, and in the State. As we navigate this transition, I ask for your ongoing patience and understanding. This is a challenging time for all of us, and your support is crucial in moving forward effectively.”
Megan Cook
Mayor of Easton
Kevin Thomas says
Anybody going to be a journalist and submit a FOIA regarding the details of this release? Looks like a “quit or be fired” type of situation. Could be very eye opening.
D. J. Deutsch says
I’ll bet its protected personnel info. Good luck with a FOIA request
Scott Rensberger says
I have a hard time with people being let go without any explanation. It’s not fair to the person being released or the person who has to make the call. Citizens who pay the bills have the right to know. Now, the Town of Easton looks a lot like my Town of Oxford. Confusion, lack of transparency and stonewalling are never good for a community.
David P Miller says
I hope that under his uniform shirt and badge is another with a big “S”. That combination of positions will take a Super Man. How’s that going to work?
Good luck, you’ll need it!
Emilie Knud-Hansen says
Based on recent events, beyond our Oxford, Cambridge and county borders, what the hell is going on with town managers?
If I were a potential candidate I would run…very fast. Who exactly would want to work for town officials who have no idea what they really want, except a rubber stamp?
Greg Zimmerman says
Don is still listed on the town website staff directory…
Joe says
Muhfugger got like 2 to 3 months of severance. What a joke. He was already $200,000+, so do the math. What did he accomplish? Oh he was fired BTW, totally wasn’t “mutual” so quit feeding us lines of shit.