Rapp-Grassetti Faces Challenge As Barnstable Town Council Votes on Leadership Positions

CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Barnstable Town Hall.

BARNSTABLE – The President of the Barnstable Town Council will face a challenge for her post tonight as the board votes on leadership positions for next year.

Precinct 7 Councilor Jessica Rapp-Grassetti has held the top spot for the last two years, but Precinct 13 Councilor Jenn Cullum has also been nominated for the position.

Some have criticized the council over the handling of Town Manager Tom Lynch’s soon-to-be expiring contract. Rapp-Grassetti and other councilors formed a town manager search committee earlier this year, despite Lynch’s interest in keeping the position. Rapp-Grassetti said Lynch never notified her in writing that he was interested in a contract extension.

The issue became contentious, and Lynch announced in September that he would not seek a contract extension when it expires next summer.

A new vice president will also be chosen, after Ann Canedy reached her term limit last month. Councilors will consider Sara Cushing or Eric Steinhilber for that post.

Town Council meets at 7 pm at Barnstable Town Hall.