Wenham Demonstration Planned To Pressure Selectman Resignation

WENHAM, MA — Wenham residents are prepared to demonstrate in front of Town Hall if Selectman John Clemenzi does not sign a formal resignation letter soon.

Last week, Selectmen Clemenzi and Jack Wilhelm both announced their resignations following a discrimination complaint against the town and Clemenzi and calls for resignation. As of 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Clemenzi had not signed a formal resignation letter.

Concerned Citizens for a Better Wenham said it is ready to organize in front of Wenham Town Hall at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday to show their disdain for Clemenzi's actions or lack thereof.

"We want him to know that 300 people in Wenham want him to resign," said Rick Woodland, a member of the concerned citizens group. The '300 people' is in reference to a petition that was started last week on Change.org to have Clemenzi step down.

A discrimination complaint was filed in December by a town employee against Clemenzi and the town. The complaint accuses Clemenzi of sexual harassment and Carrie Jelsma, the vice chair of the Finance Committee, publicly accused Clemenzi of sexual harassment as well.

"This person admitted to the aggression, he could have resolved this 13 months ago but didn't," Woodland said, "I am very concerned for the reputation of Wenham."

The town is looking to hire a new town administrator and Woodland pointed out that this incident could reflect badly on the town and shrink the candidate pool.

Tuesday's demonstration is set to be "orderly and respectful."

One of the priorities of the Concerned Citizens for a Better Wenham group is to bring the Board of Selectmen up to five members instead of three. Woodland said the recent resignations serve as just another instance showing why five members would be beneficial, as the town relies on just one selectman.