Campbell needs to resign. Do the right thing lets not have a replay of the former zba members action.

Passionate?? How about be professional we need a overhaul in this area anyways. Everyone seems burnt out at these jobs lately.

I watched the meeting and it was McKean that was arrogant and aggressive, using her law degree as a weapon. If you don't do what I say I will sue????
Go ahead, what did he say that was illegal? What was it that Mr. Campbell wanted to know about?
I have seen when the fox is in the hen house, the fox gets agitated. Cops see it all the time when they get to close to a crime. Cover up and attack the cop!
Let me say that if they had a case, there would already be charges. Another witch hunt underway!!!!!!

Another canidate for the embarasment board,

Selectman Campbell has had a target on his back for a long time and now an "intimidated" town employee is complaining. I can't help but think that this is a little overblown and well planned. Is this woman really so sensitive that Campbell hurt her feelings and made her feel uncomfortable when he was asking for information that he should have as a selectman? I just don't know what people expect from our elected officials.

Jeff,Ron,Patty now Steven will this ever end.

It looks like the "power" of being a selectman has gone right to his head. There is no place for bullies like him. I applaud the efforts of Molly and I respect the manager, Jim Keller and Mike Lyons for backing her up. These issues are serious. No one deserves to be in a hostile work environment.

Mr. Campbell's interpersonal skills could use a little polish.

Mr. Campbell is a thug and always has been. The only percieved power he has is use his position as a hammer... it's about time somoene called him on the carpet. Pat don't confuse intimidation and agression with passion.

Here we go again why does salem have so many problems with there town officials? if it was one person making a complaint maybe you can say it was a misunderstanding but 3 others thats a big problem for campbell maybe he is burnt out and he should step down he does try to save money for the taxpayers lets hope he dont cost us money now

Vote em' all out.
This town needs some new blood, maybe some young blood with new ideas and vision so we can get into this century.
Too much drama !

Yeah I get it, its very clear. The voters finally have someone who asks the tough questions about finances and those who are asked questions take offense. So lets get him by threatening to file harrassment. That way the spending ways can get back to normal.

@ Patriot Obviously you feel the HR Director was the aggressive one..well actually I thought she was quite calm and well spoken..More than I can say for Selectman Campbell. His demeanor shows quite extensively through his facial expressions. This is the HR Directors job and I am thankful we have someone in our HR department who understands the seriousness of this. If Selectman Campbell was a town employee, I in some companies three written complaints would be a punishment of dismissal. Trying to fluff this over with the remarks made by McBride and Hargreaves were very unprofessional. There’s passionate and then there’s out right obnoxious. Ms McKean thank you for doing the job you were hired to do. Glad we have two business minded professionals on the board who did see the seriousness in this. Thank you Selectman Keller and Lyons.

We all have moments of hostility in the workplace and it's usually because someone wasn't doing their job efficiently. If Mr. Campbell was agitated, it's most likely because he was in search of information and it was not being provided to him efficiently. Ms. McKean may be using this as a means to smear the man because of his passion for fiscal conservatism in town where he doesn't like seeing money mismanaged, or spent willy nilly. Does Mr. Campbell sometimes exude to much passion, or is unpolished in his delivery, sure, but no more than anyone else I've seen do from time to time. I'd rather have someone overlooking the towns issues to much, than to little, or like some other [cough] selectmen, who DO spend willy nilly with no one to check them at the door!

Mr. Campbell may have a legal right to go after her for defamation of character, if her claims prove wrong. She's calling him out over something that has no legal basis, it's a public show for what appears to be, character assassination. Having worked in HR, being rude, is not a cause for anything, unless your a lawyer and know how to spin things, allegedly!

To quote Mrs.McKean: She said that Campbell never requested anything of her that he was not entitled to, and that she never felt as though his behavior towards her was a personal attack, but she felt his manner was intimidating and that it warranted being addressed. Campbell said, "“[McKean] felt my asking put her in a tough position, but I didn’t ask her to do anything she couldn’t do.” Nowadays with so much pressure to protect privacy, there can be a reluctance to disclose what is actually a matter of public record, and feelings can get pretty hot on both sides, which can easily escalate into raised voices. Before going to lots of additional expense hiring outside review, perhaps the actual conversation can be re-created publicly using very polite voices. And from here on out, perhaps selectmen's requests can be made in writing so there is a record and reluctant people have a chance to have superiors respond to what they feel could be private information. That would protect both the requester and the responder. I have had a nurse refuse to give me my mother's medical records even though she was holding my medical power of attorney in her hand, but misinterpreting it. She was upset when I insisted, and surely thought I was pushy. Later she got moved off that nursing home floor, but it didn't help me right then. Moral of the story: set up ground rules for requesting information in writing so that requests can be reviewed and the law followed.

What a shock, more people calling Campbell out on his behavior. He is a bully who thinks he is always right and just says the same thing over and over until he gets his way. Well hopefully this will shut him up for once. Workplace harassment is real and could cost this town significantly, how's that for cutting expenses? And I may be wrong, but I think that since Ms. McKean was acting as the HR Director for the town she is obligated to bring these accusations forward so Campbell can only sue the town and not her personally.

Isn't it funny that these board members who just want to save the taxpayer some money end up costing us more in the long run.

If any of you have ever been on the receiving end of Stephen Campbells bullying and intimidation you would know how everyone feels. The actions by the HR Director are a long time coming and it's about time someone takes a stand and trys to put an end to his outragious behavior.

Everyone needs to chill and have a discussion and move on. Mr. Campbell needs to practice patience and continue to do raise questions as that is a great trait to have as a selectman.

@Patriot, I will be watching with great pride.

Come on people, Steve was the kid in High Schools that bullies picked on. He is a two year old that makes faces and pouts when he doesn't get his way. I cannot believe that anyone would be intimidated by his presence. So I don't believe the story. If they we're complaining that he held his breath until they gave him what he wanted, then I could believe it

Campbell may act like a two year old, but he is in a position to influence the future employment and working conditions of every town employee. He is constantly against their raises, against giving them adequate tools to do their work and if he had his way every one of them would be part time so that no one received benefits. Campbell is not above trying to remove a position out of revenge. That's a whole lot more than holding your breath and we need to be free of his tyranny at town hall.

He doesn't have a job so he just spends his time at town hall as if he were the town manager. Which is probably why he voted against extending the town manager's contract. Can you imagine Salem with Stephen Campbell at the helm? Hello Costa Concordia.

http://www.employmentpg.com/our-staff/molly-s-mckean/
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Hardly someone who is intimidated

So now you know why they hired an attorney for HR. Can't get a contract by town meeting? Hire a hangman!
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""Molly provides consultation and guidance on employment law and human resources issues; conducts investigations into alleged harassment and misconduct; drafts policies, procedures and handbooks; trains employers on harassment and other workplace issues; defends employers and management representatives before state and federal administrative agencies; and otherwise assists and counsels employers on harassment, discrimination, ADA, FMLA, wage/hour, diversity, terminations, reasonable accommodations and other workplace issues. She also represents individuals in matters involving disability accommodation, performance issues, separation from employment, harassment charges, and other workplace matters.""
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Pay raises should get a little easier once they silence the last bell!

Molly attended Franklin Pierce Law Center (J.D. 2000) and Colgate University (B.A., Art & Art History, 1994). While at Franklin Pierce, she was awarded the Best Oralist (Eastern Division) and the Second Oralist (National) prizes in the Saul Lefkowitz National Moot Court competition.
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Really???????

I suggest anger management or Hargreaves and Campbell

We really do need to hold all of those in power to a high standard. The term that Pat H used (passionate) is a poor excuse for impatience and lack of tact and compassion. It's just plain wrong and they need to be held accountable.

Where's mayor Linehan's comments?

FYI The salaries are all posted in the budget link located at the town of salem website.
You may not want to look you'll make yourself sick.

Ever been to Town Hall to just watch the happenings. On a recent visit, I personally witnessed 2 groups of (3-4) employees behind the counter chatting it up while several customers were waiting in line. And it wasn't business they were chatting about. More along the lines of what are you making for dinner. The line for the Town clerk was 3 deep with no indication that you should ring the bell on the counter for service.
Mr Campbell is right where he needs to be...ASKING QUESTIONS and hopefully uncovering all that is being swept through the budget.

So lets get to the bottom of the underlying issue; why was the retiree given a $48,000 send off package? FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! Are you kidding me? What was this guy a CEO or something? No one in the private sector even gets severance pay anymore. So Mr. Campbell asks the tough questions about how much and why and now he's being investigated - thats BS! The one who should be investigated are the ones who approve such nonsense.

Am I the only one who finds it just a little creepy how vigorous and plentiful the Patriot's pro-Stephen comments have been. I can only wonder the motivation. Campbell's actions were all about his own agenda and not in the interest in the town as a whole. His failure to follow the chain of command speaks toward his spoiled, immature nature. Needs to go.

No matter what the issue is in town, there are always those who turn it in to a chance to insult town employees. Stephen Campbell has been a loose cannon for a long time in this town with his behavior and comments towards town employees. He's been bending the line and now he's crossed it and seeing as he's not taking responsibility for his behavior he should be held accountable for his actions. I hope whoever investigates this interviews our former building inspector who was forced out and into early retirement. I'm sure he has a wealth of inside information on how all these positions have be reassigned.

McKean said that Campbell never requested anything of her that he was not entitled to and that she never felt as though his behavior towards her was a personal attack. If it was not a personal attack and he only asked for materials that he was rightfully entitled to, what standing does the town manager or McKean have in having any inquiry or even pushing this further? This sets a dangerous precedence for our elected officials asking legitimate, lawful and necessary questions in the future.

It is no wonder we don't have woman as selectman or town managers, the alpha males will have no one to help!
I am a trial lawyer by trade, really?

@Patriot
http://www.townofsalemnh.org/reports-documents.html

What happned to basic respect in the workplace?

It seems some people miss the point. It is not that Campbell does not have a right to ask for information, it is that he does not have a right to act towards any employee with hostility and disrespect. If he was an employee, and not an elected official, he would be written up for his bullying behavior. The claim that I saw on TV was that three employees complained about his harrassing conduct. Campbell's defenders don't address the issue, they just use backward sexist comments, showing lack of intellect and real analysis. If you can't offer a thoughtful comment based upon critical thinking and analysis of the actual issue, divert the issue, and then call names. How about some civil discourse, like they taught us in Salem in middle school.

That's a great idea; please post and link the salaries.
That way it will be public instead of just this deal about Selectman Campbell.
Why (except for Selectman Campbell) is it all so quiet and hush hush???
What's really going on behind the scenes that we don't know about????
Selectman Campbell had a justifiable purpose and was performing his duties as Salem's elected representative.
There's more huffing and buffing about this than Benghazi where Americans were killed after they saved 30 embassy staff that would otherwise have been killed along with the embassador;
but thinking about it, what happened behind the scenes there was also Hushed up b/c it was embarassing for the real facts to be revealed.

Town employees salaries are always posted. There are no surprises there. How about we post your salary Martha ? Like it's been said many times, it's not whether the purpose was justified, it was his behavior which a number of employees have a problem with.

And to compare this to Benghazi is NUTS!

Riley Reid, something tells me if I walked on water your next complaint on patch would be, “Hoover can't swim”. I won't hold my breath for your next vote.

Facts are facts and McKean was clear, she has ZERO merit for a lawsuit and ZERO merit for a complaint. Being irritated while dealing with a government official is NOT a crime. If being irritated by government officials were a crime, 75% of DMV customers would be in jail. I believe that all people should be treated with respect and dignity, but it’s clear from McKean’s own statement that Campbell was not even irritated with her. Per her own statement, he asked only questions he was entitled and never personally attacked her. I know that the town manager has sworn and had out bursts at elected officials and committee members in the past. One profanity laced outburst was so bad he had to provide written apology. Odd that none of the people in these posts mention that or call for him to be removed from his job or cited him as a “risk” for litigation to the town.

I personally like and respect all the members of our towns staff and elected board members including Mr. Hickey. I may spar with some of the board members and town officials at meetings on issues I disagree with them on, but I always treat everyone with respect. I already see some people giddy with excitement over the silencing of people with this kind of attacks, but it won’t work on me (which was threatened already in this blog that I would be next in the line of fire after Campbell). I have way too boring of a life, and have nothing but respect for the people that our town elects/employs regardless of how they stand on spending or the issues. I will continue to stand up for whats right, and helping our town get on a solid footing financially for future generations. I think we all should try to disagree without being disagreeable and going so personal in our attacks.

Patriot, after reading your comments again, it seems as though you purposefully search for reasons to excuse Mr. Campbell's conduct. Its one excuse after another. I don't understand why Mr. Campbell cannot just admit his behavior was not professional or acceptable, and the pledge to treat all employees with respect, and then move on, as McKean suggested. Instead, Mr. Campbell, and his proxy, deny he did anything wrong,blame it on his fiscal stance, essentially call McKean a liar, and then blame McKean for calling out inappropriate behavior, even though that is her job. Then to add insult to injury, you degrade this entire discourse by making crass sexual innuendo, and insinuating that Mckean's sexual status has a role in this... This continued pattern leads to the conclusion that your goal is not to voice a legitmate opinion, but simply to justify unprofessional and inappropriate conduct in the workplace by avoiding the actual facts, and deflecting the issue. Am I missing something? Why don't we wait and see what the investigation reveals? If in fact Mr. Campbell acted in appropriately, can we blame his fiscal stance, or will we claim the investigation was biased? This is was unfair...Time will tell...

People call for and demand respect. Then they bring a flimsy he said she said case before a public tribunal? And this body is far from being impartial!

Does anyone know if an agency has been contacted and started an investigation into this ?

Mr. Campbell is held to the same standards and laws regarding his behavior in the workplace/town government, with a few critical exceptions. ONe, the only way for Ms. Mckean to bring her claims forward was in a public session, under state law. Two, although Ms. Campbell cannot sexually harrass or intimidate employees, other selectmpersons, etc., there is no recourse. He can't be fired and can't be removed but for a superior Court removal process. He can be voted out, but because most electrorate are uneducated above town government, that tends not to happens. Indeed, ignorant comments like yours, and I mean ignorant using a dictionary definition, don't help. They obfuscate the issues and perpetuate old sexual and other steretypes....

The Budd Comm is in a lot of trouble if you can't see the whole picture. Ms McKean was the messenger for 3 town employees who feel they were mistreated by Selectman Campbell. The investigation is going to see if those complaints have any merit because as you obviously don't understand, there are rules on how one gets treated in the workplace.

Do the people hostile towards me and Mr Campbell watch any the budget committee meetings? Ever see the hostility or agitation that comes toward us from some members during meetings like Pam Berry after nearly any question we ask? Look, she is passionate, and I can understand that. I do not hold it against her personally. If she were a conservative I think there would be calls for her to resign, or be removed from office. No one can say that Mr. Campbell treated town officials remotely close to the way she treats us. As for the incident with McKean and Campbell all I can go on is the words of the people involved. McKean and Campbell agree on the facts. He asked only questions he was entitled, and he did not personally attack her. She then mentions vaguely other anonymous incidents but gave no details. This seems as a way of silencing Mr Campbell and others that may want to keep spending at a reasonable rate of growth in line with inflation. Does anyone in this blog think that the elected officials can make everyone happy when we have to deal with budget short falls, and tough choices that may put people out of jobs?

Of course this case has been brought to the kangaroo court of public opinion.

@ Kaitlyn Woods, is there a follow up on this article? I hope you will speak to the investigator personally to get the real story. I doubt if you will get any information if you are not a reporter.

Why is it I read today that the AG's office is beginning to investigate a Selectman in Danville within days of allegations, and we're still waiting for news on this here in Salem ?

There will not be criminal charges brought for being rude to someone what should be done is a stern warning and if it happens again then your removed from the board or they can just ask him to deal with the town manager if i was in his shoes thats the only person i would want to deal with after this. if he dont go into the town hall with a smile on his face anyone can say anything now.

Unfortunately James what you don't know is that "little" warning were given but the behavior continued. This has been a long time coming !