East Hampton mulls removal of official

EAST HAMPTON, Conn. (AP) - The East Hampton town council there held a special meeting Wednesday to talk about getting rid of a high level employee, but won't say if it's connected to the police chief controversy.

The councilors took no action after a meeting Wednesday at Town Hall. The agenda covered "the employment and possible separation of a management-level town employee."

The council has come under fire from many residents since it eliminated Police Chief  Matthew Reimondo's job in June at Town Manager Jeffrey O'Keefe's request in what was called a "cost-saving measure."

The former police chief claims the move was retaliation for his coming forward with sexual harassment complaints against O'Keefe by three female town workers.

Dozens of residents, crammed into the hallways, are upset that they were locked out of an executive session meeting discussing a separation packaged with the unnamed management-level employee.

Many believe it's O'Keefe. The council members are not talking, at least for as long as that person still works for the town.

"It's just a question of it's unfair to do that while they're negotiating," stated Town Council Chairwoman Melissa Engel. "So as soon as one is reached, we'll have a name for you, absolutely."

"I don't agree," countered Town Council member Susan Weintraub. "I think the person should be named but they say for us to as quickly as possible to get through the contract, it would be best not to name who the high level employee is."

For those residents who went to Town Hall hoping to learn the latest, the struggle continues.

"All we want to know is what is going on. We want the right thing done," said east Hampton resident Lori Weech. "We want it investigated and that's all we're asking, and it just seems like it's a constant struggle."

O'Keefe did not attend Wednesday's meeting.