Coughlin v. Town of Southbridge

INTRODUCTION

Counsel for plaintiff — Gary S. Brackett, Esq. and James T. Masteralexis, Esq.

Counsel for the defendant — John W. Giorgio, Esq. and Brian W. Riley, Esq.

BACKGROUND

The town of Southbridge (Southbridge) is governed by a town charter which by §11-1-1 states that the *365voters of the town shall have the power to propose and review bylaws and other “measures” within the authority of the town council (council) by Initiative Petition and Referendum.

On December 23,2002, by vote of 8 to 5, the council voted to terminate Michael J. Coughlin (Coughlin) as town manager.

Dawn Piche (Piche) and…