NEW PALESTINE – The town council voted unanimously Wednesday night, March 18, to fire longtime town manager Dave Book.
“This is by far the most difficult decision I’ve had to be part of during my time as a council member,” council president Brandee Bastin said.
Council member Bill Niemier read from a prepared statement a long list of issues that led to the council’s decision. He made to motion to dismiss Book, who had been town manager for more than three decades.
The list included things like unprofessional behavior; neglect of duty; failure to follow established work procedures and policies; conducting personal business while on duty; blatant disrespect of town council members and employees and gross misconduct.
The dismissal was effective immediately. Book was at the meeting and left town hall shortly after the vote. Before leaving, he answered “no” when asked by councilman Clint Bledsoe if he wanted to make a statement.
“It wouldn’t make any difference,” he said, minutes before he left town hall with his wife.
This story will be updated with more information in the Friday edition of the Daily Reporter.
