The Cohasset Select Board unanimously appointed Assistant Town Manager Michelle Leary to the role of Interim Town Manager during a tense and emotional meeting on October 31. The appointment comes as the town navigates a leadership transition, and board members expressed full confidence in Leary’s ability to guide Cohasset through the upcoming budget season and beyond. Leary thanked the board for their support, stating, "I'm happy to do it and provide stability to the town during this transition." The board also discussed providing Leary with additional support, potentially from a retired town manager, to help manage the increased workload. Chair Ellen Maher praised Leary’s dedication, saying, “I have every confidence Michelle that you will continue on in a very successful way.”

The meeting then shifted to a difficult discussion regarding the board’s response to what members described as egregious and false accusations circulating on social media. The debate centered on a draft statement addressing a specific, untrue claim made against Vice Chair Paul Grady following the board's October 28 meeting. The conversation revealed deep concerns about the increasingly hostile online environment. Clerk Julie Rollins stated she was hesitant to speak openly on the matter, explaining, “I don't feel safe saying my comments in an open meeting format. I've been targeted online as well... I'm nervous for my family.” Grady passionately condemned the attacks, which he said targeted multiple town officials and volunteers. “It's an outandout lie. It's a mistruth. I'm disgusted with the whole operation,” he declared.

Board members grappled with how to respond without escalating the situation. Member Chris Plecs cautioned against retaliatory measures, saying, “If we're trying to take the temperature down, that's the way to do it, I think.” Member David Farrag urged for a return to civility in public discourse. “You wouldn't want this expression to come from your children. So why would we want it to come from adults?” he asked. After a lengthy debate over whether to name the individuals or groups involved, the board voted to issue a narrowly focused statement condemning the specific false accusation while calling for productive dialogue. John Clifford, an attorney present at the meeting, noted the board's platform is a powerful tool, stating, "the most effective tool that you all have is is the bully pullpit of speaking publicly from your seats as select board members."

The board took two key votes during the public session. First, a motion was made to formally name Leary to her new role. Motion made by Chris Plecs to appoint Michelle Leary as the interim town manager for the town of Cohasset. Motion passed 5-0. Later, after debating the public statement, the board voted on issuing a revised version. Motion made by David Farrag to approve a release from the Cohassid Select Board encompassing paragraphs one and four. Motion passed 4-1, with Paul Grady voting no. Following the public portion of the meeting, the board moved into executive session to discuss the terms of the town manager transition.