Paul Shew was the Rye City Manager from 2003-2009. In his role as City Manager, Mr. Shew carried out many of the controversial policy decisions made by Mayor Otis and Corporation Counsel Kevin Plunkett.

Ironically, in 2009, Mr. Shew was terminated by Mayor Otis and the City Council. Mayor Otis publicly alleged that Mr. Shew lied to the City Council regarding the existence of building and safety code violations on Hen Island. In due course, the City of Rye issued two pages of violations that described imminent safety threats including illegal propane storage, illegal electrical systems, and a severe mosquito infestation. Mr. Shew has been turned down by numerous municipalities for upper management positions since his Rye City termination in 2009, while working as a Government Specialist for PEER Consulting.