Plymouth Select Board Votes to Remove Chair in Contentious Reorganization
Golden replaces Canty in 3-2 vote
PLYMOUTH - September 16 - In a dramatic turn at Tuesday night's meeting, the Plymouth Select Board voted 3-2 to reorganize its leadership, removing Kevin Canty as chair and installing David Golden in his place after concerns about board dysfunction and communication reached a breaking point.
The Full Story
The reorganization motion came after Vice Chair David Golden requested the agenda item just days before the meeting, citing dozens of calls from community members expressing concern about board dysfunction. Golden stated he had received feedback from "folks in positions of leadership across the community, from folks who are former and current elected officials, from even folks in the media who are concerned that this board has become dysfunctional."
The tension centered around allegations that the agenda was being dominated by a single person and concerns about enforcement of board bylaws. Golden called for a "restoration of collegiality" and argued that board members felt they "don't have the ability to influence the agenda."
Select Board member Bill Keohan supported the reorganization, describing his role since joining the board in May as lacking the collaborative environment he expected. "Right now I haven't experienced that on the board where there was an opportunity to put these issues on the agenda that most of the activities of the committee were happening during the course of a meeting," Keohan said. He advocated for the chair position to rotate among members over time to ensure all voices are heard.
Dick Quintal also backed the change, citing specific incidents including Canty's initial refusal to put the “on the road” visits on the agenda and a memo sent 30 minutes before a meeting that upset board dynamics. "We're all equals, no matter what the little thing here says in front of you," Quintal stated, referencing the nameplate designations.
However, Deb Iaquinto opposed the reorganization, arguing it was reactive rather than thoughtful. "I spent most of my career in communication and change management. I've worked with and for many leadership teams, and I know from experience that leadership transitions must be made thoughtfully and not reactively," she said. She urged the board to slow down and address concerns directly rather than rushing to replacement.
Canty defended his tenure, acknowledging imperfections while highlighting accomplishments including taking Town Hall “on the road”, posting agendas a week in advance, publishing full meeting packets online, and adopting 81 goals for the fiscal year. "I took the results of the election this past May as a mandate from the voters for change," he said, promising to improve on areas where he had been too rigid on process and procedure.
After the 3-2 vote to reorganize, Golden was elected chair by the same margin, with Quintal unanimously selected as vice chair. Golden accepted the position "with a heavy heart," acknowledging hurt feelings and promising to work on respect, facilitation, communication, and transparency.
Beyond the leadership change, the board addressed numerous community concerns during the public Q&A session at Manomet Elementary School. Residents raised issues including persistent flooding on Taylor Avenue, speeding problems on Whitehorse Road, affordable housing shortages, and concerns about the upcoming Article 25 earth removal moratorium.
Several administrative notes were approved, including the appointment of Dr. Karen Hamilton to the Advisory and Finance Committee and a proclamation declaring November 24th as Lillian and Dick Gregory Day in honor of the peace activists with deep Plymouth roots.
The meeting also featured updates on various town projects, including completion of the downtown boardwalk, progress on the Forges Field master planning process, and upcoming community meetings on Route 3A corridor improvements.
Residents expressed particular concern about Article 25, a citizen's petition that would create an 11½-month moratorium on earth removal from construction projects. Multiple board members shared concerns that while environmentally motivated, the article could have unintended consequences affecting infrastructure projects, affordable housing development, and the town's ability to control growth through safe harbor provisions.
The housing affordability crisis emerged as a recurring theme, with residents noting the loss of young families and the difficulty of starting careers and families in Plymouth. Anna Malone shared that her daughter had lost six classmates who moved away due to housing costs, while many homes remain vacant as seasonal properties.
Community engagement was another significant topic, with residents discussing barriers to participation in local government, particularly for working-age residents. Emily Tompkins noted that only 17% of town meeting members are 45 or younger, despite this demographic representing 43% of the population.
The oath of office compliance issue continued to draw attention, with residents and board members discussing the discovery that 66 appointees had not been properly sworn in within required timeframes. The board heard suggestions for better communication and follow-up procedures to prevent future compliance issues.
Why It Matters
The leadership change signals a potential shift in how Plymouth's Select Board operates, with the new chair promising greater collaboration and transparency. For residents, this could mean changes in how agendas are set, how meetings are conducted, and how community concerns are prioritized. The reorganization comes at a critical time as Plymouth faces significant challenges including affordable housing shortages, infrastructure needs, and managing growth pressures while maintaining community character.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve Administrative Notes 1 and 3 (Hamilton committee appointment and meeting scheduling). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous.
Motion: Approve Administrative Note 2 (Lillian and Dick Gregory Day proclamation). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous.
Motion: Reorganize the Select Board. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-2 (Golden, Keohan, Quintal in favor; Iaquinto, Canty opposed).
Motion: Elect David Golden as Chair. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-2 (Golden, Keohan, Quintal in favor; Iaquinto, Canty opposed).
Motion: Elect Dick Quintal as Vice Chair. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous.
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous.
Public Comment
Residents raised concerns about flooding on Taylor Avenue, speeding on Whitehorse Road, the Simes House RFP process, affordable housing shortages, Article 25 earth removal moratorium, oath of office compliance issues, the Shichigahama sister city program, community engagement barriers, and requests for land acknowledgement adoption. Multiple speakers praised the community garden initiative and Town Hall on the road meetings while expressing concerns about housing affordability forcing young families to leave Plymouth.
What's Next
The board will hold a public hearing on Article 25 at next week's meeting. Upcoming agenda items include discussion of sand and gravel committee formation, a presentation from the Town Clerk on oath of office compliance improvements, consideration of land acknowledgement adoption, and follow-up on various infrastructure concerns raised by residents. The town will release an RFP for the Simes House.