July 17, 2019 Mayor Shapiro, Please attach this response to the letter you received on July 3 from the department heads regarding my leadership as town manager. ‘This letter was a complete surprise to me, as there was no comments, feedback, or conversations had between me and the department head team as a group or individually, whereby they expressed anything that was written in the attached letter. I meet with each department head individually on a monthly basis and as a group on a monthly basis, giving all department heads at least two opportunities per month to discuss or provide feedback on my performance, Further, I make it a practice to solicit feedback from them at the end of each monthly one-on-one, with questions such as “is there anything I can be doing differently or better" and/or "do you have any feedback for me on how I can improve?” Since I became town manager, there was never any feedback or response provided. More importantly, the contents of this letter and accusations against me are either gross mischaracterizations of conversations or complete mistruths and insults. I pride myself on my professionalism both as a municipal leader and on how I treat and work with my staff and councilors. With regards to the handling of a personnel matter, I maintained confidentiality throughout the process and recognize that is frustrating to others who are looking for updates. I handled the personnel matter with respect and professionalism. I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and the town as your town manager. Itwas a great honor of mine and I appreciated the infrastructure and economic development issues that made it rewarding. Sincerely, Derrik M. Kennedy