Last modified: Friday, July 3, 2009 2:08 PM EDT Andrew Gala and his wife Susan listen at a recent event. (Photo by: MARTIN GAVIN) Foxboro town manager seeks contract extension BY FRANK MORTIMER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF FOXBORO - Countering the impression that his retirement is near, 29-year Town Manager Andrew Gala is seeking a new three-year contract. "He's done a good job and we want to send a message that we want to renew his contract," selectmen Chairman Paul Feeney said this week. How to send that contractual message was, however, a matter of debate. The board voted 3-2 Tuesday to enter into negotiation with Gala to add three years to the remaining time of his contract, which expires on June 30, 2010. The vote does not commit the town to extending Gala's employment beyond that date, but commits the board to entering good faith negotiations with that aim, Selectman Larry Harrington said. Harrington joined members Lynda Walsh and Paul Feeney in the majority vote. Under Gala's contract, if selectmen fail to notify him of an intention not to renew his contract, the contract extends another year in an automatic rollover. Though making clear that he believes Gala "does an excellent job," Selectman Paul Mortenson stuck with tradition, voting with Lorraine Brue against the motion to enter talks for a three-year contract. Gala had the day off Tuesday, but had agreed to have the board discuss the matter in his absence, Harrington said. Harrington said Gala would have liked a unanimous vote of support for the contract talks. "If you believe he's that strong a performer but only give him a one-year extension, doesn't that send a mixed message?" Harrington said.