Mgr. Dispute Might Go To Courts Soon

Supporters of former city manager John J. Curry '19 may challenge the eligibility of Joseph A. DeGuglielmo '29 to replace Curry.

The City Council Monday named DeGuglielmo to the post, effectively removing Curry who had been manager for the past 14 years.

At the Council meeting, Curry's attorney, Francis J. Roche, claimed that DeGuglielmo is not legally able to become a city manager because he holds an elective position in the City. DeGuglielmo was elected to the Democratic City Committee and currently serves as its chairman.

This position, Roche said, disqualifies DeGuglielmo under the section of the city charter that reads "no person who has within two years been elected to or served in any elective office in the city or county...shall be chosen as manager."

Other observers doubted, however, that a party position came within the definition of "elective office." But even if it doesn't, he subject could be a legitimate basis for litigation. One man suggested that the issue might be taken to the state's highest court, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Curry will definitely take some legal action, Roche said yesterday, though he declined to specify when it would come.

Under the city charter, Curry will also be given a list of reasons for the Council's action. He will then receive a public hearing next Monday.