New Ipswich’s former recreation director, backed by a petition of more than 350 residents, requested the town reverse her firing.
Nichole Talbot was fired from both her position as recreation director and her position as deputy town clerk and tax collector, after she was arrested after a motor vehicle crash on April 9, when she initially told police she, and not her husband, who didn’t have a valid license at the time of the crash, was behind the wheel.
Talbot eventually pleaded guilty to a class B misdemeanor in connection with the crash for obstructing governmental administration.
During a Select Board meeting Tuesday, Talbot admitted it was the wrong thing to do, and made a public apology, reiterating an apology she has previously offered to the townspeople through her Facebook page.
“I want to express my serious apology here, in front of everyone for the events that took place on April 9, which led to my arrest and subsequent removal,” Talbot said. She said she “apologize[d] immensely” for her actions, and said they didn’t define her as a whole, nor were they indicative of her usual character.
She requested the board reconsider her firing.
“I’ve never been in trouble in my life before. It’s cost me everything. For a class B misdemeanor.”
Christine Bergeron of New Ipswich, who organized the petition in support of Talbot, said she “goes above and beyond” for the town.
“People like Nichole are very few and far between, who do show up and do the work,” Bergeron said. “I would like to see her given a second chance.”
Talbot’s husband, Shawn Talbot, who is a selectman, recused himself from the discussion to sit in the audience. The remaining two selectmen said that while they appreciated the work Nichole Talbot had done for the town in both her roles, they had to look at the situation objectively.
“This did not come lightly,” Select Board Chair David Lage said. He said he had “never seen anyone as dedicated” as Talbot, but said that if he was considering a resume and saw the charge come back on a background check, he would likely set it aside, particularly for the positions Talbot held, which deal with children and finances, and requires a high level of public trust.
Selectman John Veeser agreed, saying the discussion led to “a lot of sleepless nights.”
“The whole thing stinks, it’s uncomfortable,” Veeser said. However, he said, “sometimes actions have repercussions.”
The Select Board did not vote to take any action or consider any motions during Tuesday’s meeting.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.