Police chief controversy in East Hampton

East Hampton, Conn. (WTNH) - There is a chief controversy in East Hampton over the elimination of the town's police chief position.

The town manager says it’s all about the budget. But many residents don’t buy it. They say its personal, and they turned out in a big way Tuesday night to have their voices heard.

The town of East Hampton is embroiled in controversy since Police Chief Matthew Reimondo was removed by Town Manager Jeffrey O'Keefe last month. The issue is about saving money.

The Chief and his supporters believe retaliation is the motive after Reimondo's investigation into sexual harassment claims against O'Keefe.

“At the end of the day, the truth will come out,” Chief Matthew Reimondo commented.

Tuesday's town council meeting was another chance for people to demand that the Chief comes back. But the majority of members support O'Keefe's decision.

“It's a travesty that the six members of this town council elected by the people have proven themselves to be grossly incapable,” said an unidentified resident. “Your totally ignoring the wishes of your constituents.”

There was one dissenting opinion. The lone council supporter, Susan Weintraub, brought two motions to the floor for debate -- bring back the Chief and fire the town manager.

Neither one had a second motion.