Political Deadlock: Marshfield Select Board Stalls Recall Election and Rejects Interim Administrator

MARSHFIELD — April 21, 2026 — In a night defined by procedural friction and a divided room, the Marshfield Select Board reached a standstill over a looming recall election for Chair Eric Kelley and the appointment of a temporary Town Administrator. Despite the certification of recall signatures earlier that morning, Chair Kelley moved to delay setting an election date, citing a need for legal consultation, while Vice Chair Steve Darcy blocked a controversial appointment for the town’s top administrative post, calling the move a “usurpation” of the community search process.

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The meeting opened under tension following the official certification of signatures for a recall election against Chair Eric Kelley. According to Vice Chair Steve Darcy, the town clerk and registrars certified the recall earlier that morning [02:03:08]. Under the town charter, the board has a narrow window—between 60 and 70 days—to schedule the special election [02:03:22].

However, when pressed to set the date for Saturday, June 27th, Chair Kelley refused, stating he was “not ready to make those dates just yet” and intended to consult legal counsel [02:03:55]. The move effectively puts the recall timeline in limbo, as the “control date” for a June election passed the following morning. When Darcy asked if Kelley was considering resignation—which would stop the recall—Kelley declined to comment [02:05:49].