Tocco Stepping Down as UMASS Chair

The chairman of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees says he will step down. Governor Patrick has been trying to oust Stephen Tocco since September, and Tocco says the rift between him and Patrick has become too much of a distraction.

Tocco was appointed by former Governor Mitt Romney. Patrick has been trying for months to replace Tocco with vice chairman Robert Manning. Tocco says he is not sure why Patrick is seeking the change, since Manning was also appointed by Romney.

"We've worked together closely. I actually appointed him as chair... if it's Rob Manning who's going to serve as the next chair, there's really not very much difference between Rob and I," says Tocco.

Patrick has not commented on why he wanted to remove Tocco. Tocco says he will keep a spot on the board.