I have expressed my concerns regarding the fitness for duty of Steve Bolton, Nashua’s Corporation Counsel, through numerous private communications with the Mayor and the BOA. My concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
Attorney Bolton’s fitness to serve became compromised last January after suffering a serious medical issue disclosed by Attorney Leonard. When Attorney Bolton returned to work, it was evident he could not perform his duties mentally, physically, and emotionally.
The board members have sharply criticized me for addressing these health and work fitness issues. I have been called “mean,” “hateful,” and “inappropriate,” with my assertions called out as unjustified. “You are not a doctor.” When is it right to question the fitness of a top official performing critical work for the City? See something, say something.
Off the record, I have had several City leaders tell me the Mayor has had communication from employees regarding Attorney Bolton’s job fitness, voicing concerns with his work capabilities. Several Aldermen, also off the record, expressed concerns, but this is a Mayor appointed position. One city leader said, “I won’t touch that with a 10-foot pole”, preferring, instead, to avoid the wrath of the Mayor and Attorney Bolton. Another Aldermen was “frightened” by Bolton’s behavior.
I have witnessed and been on the receiving end of an unusually high number of easily triggered emotional outbursts by Attorney Bolton in public meetings. While some will say this is the ordinary course of behavior from Attorney Bolton, in the three years of regularly attending meetings, the emotional, hostile outbursts have accelerated this past year.
Bolton has refused to assist a seated Alderman in her duties as an attorney. A violation of both his oath of office and the law. He has called out an Alderwoman as a liar in a public meeting. He has made it clear that apologies will not be accepted.
In Board meetings, he has attacked members of the public and discussed active litigation, “misrepresenting” the facts. It is unclear if this is a lie, intentional behavior, or declining health that caused these missteps. At a recent meeting, Attorney Bolton interjected, violating meeting rules, and taunted a citizen considering a court challenge.
During the last year, Attorney Bolton appears to struggle to stay engaged and awake in public meetings. At last week’s 12:30 pm Board of Health meeting, he fell asleep for more than half the meeting, his slumping posture and hanging head frozen on the zoom screen.
A declining person, understandably, often lacks the self-awareness to make correct decisions. Mayor Donchess carries the responsibility to protect the City from compromised employees. It’s not his pocket or private business funding this position, it is the taxpayers, and our funding should be for services rendered. His honor, the Mayor would do well to remember this. Attorney Bolton is unfit for duty and should be removed from office.
