Brockton Enterprise - August 11, 2006
Abington health agent takes 3-week medical leave
By Allan Stein, Enterprise correspondent
ABINGTON — Town Health Agent Michelle Roberts reportedly has taken a three-
week medical leave of absence due to job-related stress, Board of Health member
Susan Brennan said Thursday.
“It is stress-related, because of retaliation” from certain board members, Brennan
said. Discord on the board erupted at the Nov. 28 meeting, when Roberts accused
Chairman Anthony Pignone of creating a hostile work environment, using
inappropriate language with employees and dividing the five-member board.
Pignone denied the allegations and two days later alleged that cash was being
mishandled in the health board office.
The board instructed Roberts to give a full accounting of office finances from 2000
to 2006 at Thursday's meeting, which she did not attend.
The state inspector general's office is requesting detailed information on rabies
clinics and propane tank recycling fees, based on a letter it received from a board
member. Brennan, however, said the letter was not presented to the board for
approval before it was sent. The inspector general's office became involved in
the board controversy on Feb. 6, when it received an anonymous letter alleging
that, over a five-year period, more than $10,000 in health office receipts were not
properly turned over to the town.
In a three-page report, the agency found that petty cash was inappropriately used
by the office for small purchases, but no evidence of cash mishandling was found.
It recommended that the board establish stricter accounting procedures.
With Roberts absent from Thursday's board meeting, Pignone, Vice Chairman
William Creighton and member Christine Hickey voted to go into executive session
with the town's labor counsel, Terri Dowdy, who was present to discuss a
negotiating strategy related to Roberts' contract, which expired June 30.
Brennan said she did not attend the meeting because she thought the board was
scheduled to meet Monday. Member Kathy Sulmonte also was absent Thursday.
Meanwhile, Brennan said the ongoing pursuit of allegations by the board of cash
mishandling has caused emotional stress for Roberts and put other important
matters on the back burner.
Town Manager Phillip L. Warren Jr. said that under the town charter, Board of
Health members are responsible for their actions only to the voters.
Roberts could not be reached for comment.
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