Lamoureux Gets Three-Year Appointment

Unless something unexpected happens, Bob Lamoureux will work for the town of Seekonk as its public works superintendent through at least 2016. Five months after his future with the town was in jeopardy, Lamoureux was appointed to a new three-year term as the department head.

The 4-0 vote was met with applause from several supporters who attended the meeting. Lamoureux will meet with Town Administrator Pam Nolan to negotiate a new contract.

Selectmen were split 2-2 in December on whether to appoint Lamoureux to a new term. Gary Sagar voted "present" rather than breaking the tie. The non-decision meant Lamoureux's contract, which expires next month, was automatically renewed for one year, but his long-term future remained in limbo.

One of Lamoureux's biggest critics, former Selectman Francis Cavaco of the infamous F-bomb/asthma incident, lost his seat last month in the election. Another critic, Selectman Bob McLintock, did not vote Wednesday because he left the meeting early.

Selectman Mike Brady said McLintock had requested the appointment vote be continued to the next meeting. This announcement received a hostile reaction from the audience, prompting Brady to say with a smile that people should not shoot the messenger. No selectman supported McLintock's request.

Lamoureux has been head of the town's public works department for eight years.