Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 43, § 61

The mayor may, with the approval of a majority of the members of the city council, remove the head of a department or member of a board before the expiration of his term of office, except members of the school committee, officials appointed by the governor, and assessors if elected by the people. The person so removed shall receive a copy of the reasons for his removal, and he may, if he desires, contest the same before the city council. He may be represented by counsel at the hearing.