MANSFIELD: Committeeman resigns, cites employer’s new policy

By Amber Cox
   MANSFIELD – A township committeeman has resigned from his position, effective Jan. 31, because of a new work policy by his employer.
   Kenneth Denti, a Republican member of the Township Committee for five years, sent a letter of resignation to the township on Jan. 13. The letter, addressed to the mayor and other committee members, said that Mr. Denti’s employer “unexpectedly announced that it has adopted a new policy prohibiting outside employment of any kind.”
   Mr. Denti made an inquiry about his position on the committee and learned that it qualified as outside employment.
   ”I have truly enjoyed my five years on the committee,” he said. “I wish my successor the best of luck and continued success to the current and future committees in keeping Mansfield a truly wonderful place to live and to raise a family.”
   Mayor Art Puglia on Monday called Mr. Denti very knowledgeable about government and the laws.
   ”He had some work problems and couldn’t make all of the meetings,” Mr. Puglia said. “I’m sorry to see him go.”
   Deputy Mayor Robert Higgins said Mr. Denti was a very strong member of the committee.
   ”I believe a lot of times he gave some very good advice,” he said. “He will be missed, but if his employer says he has to move on, I have to respect that and let him move on.”
   Sworn in January 2009, one year remains on Mr. Denti’s term of office.