A former Nantucket public safety dispatcher has accused Town Manager Elizabeth Gibson and her husband, Deputy Police Chief Charles Gibson, of intimidation and retaliation. Patrick Considine alleges that Gibson used her position to protect her husband after Considine filed grievances against Nantucket Police Chief Jody Kasper and Deputy Chief Gibson.
Considine's dispute began when he and other dispatchers claimed they were wrongfully suspended, faced retaliation, and were subjected to unlawful surveillance. They asserted that their contracts entitled them to work third-party detail assignments, such as directing traffic around construction sites, but these jobs were consistently given to police officers instead.
At a Select Board hearing in April, Considine stated that Chief Kasper had targeted him in a "retaliatory, discriminatory ambush" and placed him on paid suspension. He also criticized Town Manager Gibson for not taking action against the police chief, despite what he described as "overwhelming evidence."
One day after his public remarks, Considine was fired. In late October, he filed a formal complaint with the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission. In the complaint, Considine alleged that Gibson obtained emails he sent to other Select Board members, excluding her, and replied directly. These emails concerned a security camera installed in the dispatch area, which Considine claimed was partly a retaliatory measure against his grievance filings.
Considine told the Nantucket Current that Gibson's reply contained "false and misleading information regarding the timeline of the installation of a surveillance camera within the Communications Department." He believes Gibson's involvement raises ethical and conflict-of-interest concerns, particularly given her husband's role in the allegations. "I also believe she attempted to use her position of authority to protect her husband and intimidate me," Considine stated.
Gibson, in her emailed response, noted that the issue of the camera was "currently in litigation, and the [Select] Board is not able to discuss that with you." Considine later addressed Gibson's response at another board meeting, saying it was inappropriate for the town manager to email him directly about pending litigation, especially with inaccurate information involving her husband.
Considine has requested that the state ethics commission investigate whether Gibson's email violates conflict of interest law and compromises independent local oversight. He also filed a wrongful termination grievance, but the Select Board sided with the police department. His state complaints remain pending.
When reached for comment, Communications Manager Florencia Rullo stated, "Because this is an ongoing personnel matter, the Town has no further comment at this time." The Daily Mail has also sought comment from Town Manager Gibson and Deputy Chief Gibson.