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Somerville mayor wins council approval to create part‑time senior labor adviser
Summary
Mayor Wissen secured council approval to transfer $5,700 to establish a part‑time senior adviser for labor to reduce reliance on costly outside counsel; the council approved the item by unanimous consent.
The Somerville City Council approved a request from Mayor Wissen to transfer $5,700 from the law department professional and technical services account to cover the salary of a part‑time senior adviser to the mayor for labor matters.
Mayor Wissen told the council the position will provide in‑house expertise for labor negotiations and reduce spending on costly outside counsel. He described the post as part time, estimating roughly 40 hours per month and allowing flexibility up to about 19 hours per week at peak times. The mayor said he could not yet disclose a candidate but said the hire will be someone known and respected in Massachusetts labor circles.
Councilor Scott, who moved to approve the item, said the council has long supported bringing more roles in house to strengthen relationships with municipal unions. Councilors who spoke expressed general support, noting the approach has precedent in neighboring Boston and that unions had requested reduced use of outside counsel.
The transfer and position creation were approved by unanimous consent; no further roll call was recorded. The mayor said staff will pursue hiring and expects the new adviser to participate at bargaining tables as needed.
