Four days after Elizabeth Zaleski was fired by Town Administrator Mark Andrews, the former Town Accountant’s attorney has called for a public hearing regarding her termination.

According to Bridgewater-based attorney John Clifford, Zaleski has not been officially fired since a public hearing, as is required by the Town Charter, has not yet been held.

In a letter given to town officials Friday, he stated Selectman Cara Winslow and Town Administrator Andrews will be required to testify for their roles in the termination.

"This is a personnel matter and there is no comment," Andrews stated.

Andrews issued a press release on Monday, April 4, stating Zaleski was fired after a financial audit revealed that more than $919,000 is unaccounted for.

On the previous Friday, after receiving the audit report, Winslow wrote a letter to the editor calling for Zaleski to be fired or for Andrews to resign.

Clifford claims Zaleski was fired without due process and that her termination was influenced by the town’s election.

“It seems curious the press release had to be released that night,” Clifford said, noting town elections were held the following day.

He added that Zaleski received a letter informing her of her termination on Monday, after the press release was already published.

Clifford said the press released “trashed” Zaleski’s professional reputation.

Despite the call for a public hearing, Clifford said due process is unlikely to be achieved after the decision was made to fire her.

“We will do what we have to do to protect her interests,” Clifford concluded.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.