Council appoints and swears in Eric Coker as Braintree town clerk

The Town of Braintree council voted to appoint Eric Coker as town clerk and immediately administered the oath of office. The personnel committee presented a unanimous recommendation for Coker after reviewing applicants and resumes; Coker, an 11‑year employee in the town clerk’s office, made a short opening statement and answered council questions about election administration and office operations.

Councilors praised his institutional knowledge and customer-service approach during a round of questions. Eric Coker said of elections: “The election process is a long process, just not a day,” describing coordination with police, facilities, schools and equipment testing that precedes Election Day. Vice President Maglio moved the appointment, a motion that was seconded and passed by roll call 8 in favor, 1 absent. Coker repeated the oath and was sworn in at the meeting.

The council then voted to establish the town clerk’s starting salary at M‑23A with a six‑month probationary period; after six months the salary will advance automatically to M‑23B and the position will receive step increases and COLAs annually until the E step is reached. Councilors emphasized support for continuity in the clerk’s office as the town moves into an active election season.

What happens next: Coker assumes the duties immediately and will oversee the fall election cycle and licensing work described during the hearing. The Personnel Committee’s recommendation, the appointment motion and the salary motion were entered into the record at the meeting.