Rye Mayor Says Shew Recommendation Letter Will Have Specific Scope

News of Mayor Doug French's decision to provide former Rye city manager Paul Shew with a letter of recommendation at last week's council meeting did not go over well with Rye Patch readers.

As of Tuesday morning, eighty percent of readers thought it was "inappropriate" for Mayor French to write a letter of "good service" because he was not in office during Shew's eventful tenure as city manager.

The letter will be a dossier format statement and not specifically addressed for a particular purpose or recipient.

By email, Mayor French further described the letter that will be written on Shew's behalf: 

"The letter is based on my personal work with Paul while I was Chair of the Recreation Commission and he was [City Manager]. Paul served the City well and I am glad both parties can put this matter behind us amicably and look forward in the best interests of the City and for Paul. The letter is for Paul's use and not to a specific party."

French did not indicate whether the letter would be sent on official stationery from the Office of the Mayor. 

Councilwoman Catherine Parker said the council was apprised of Mayor French's intention to write a letter based on his experience with Shew while he was Recreation Commissioner. She said her impression was that the members of the council did not have an issue with those parameters.

Shew filed a lawsuit for breach of contract and defamation that was dismissed last August. Corporation counsel Kristen Wilson told the council Shew will withdrawal his current appeal and waive future filing in a stipulation of discontinuance. The council unanimously authorized Wilson to sign off on the stipulation.

Shew was suspended in March 2009 from his position as city manager during the administration of former Mayor Steve Otis. Otis is currently running for the New York State Assembly.