Police Chief removed, residents angered

East Hampton, Conn. (WTNH) - The battle lines are drawn even deeper, following the controversial removal of East Hampton's Police Chief.

Residents of East Hampton are angry that the Town Council has advanced a proposal, that could make the Town Manager the Chief.

Matthew Reimondo was removed from his position in June due to budgetary constraints and now there is someone else in his parking spot at the police station.

In a five to one vote and amid loud protests, the Town Council voted Tuesday night to send a proposal to public hearing which would name Town Manager Jeffrey O'Keefe as Police Chief taking over only administrative duties.

"First of all, the fact that they were eliminating the police chief's job and didn't know that they didn't have the power to do so because it was in the charter, what type of government is that," questioned Jim Harrington of East Hampton.

The town says the move is being made to save money. But others who want Chief Matthew Reimondo reinstated say it's retaliation because he helped bring three sexual harassment complaints against the Town Manager. One alleged victim spoke up at Tuesday night's meeting. Town councilor, Sue Weintraub, the only dissenting vote agrees with the allegations and says the move is illegal.

"If they were on the up and up they would have read the charter and knew what they were doing," added Harrington.

"I have lived here since 1971 and I love this town," said Barbara Brown of East Hampton. "What's going on politically is a shame and they're like children in a sandbox in the third grade fighting and bickering."

"No I don't think that's the right idea," chimed in Joe Carnicelli also of East Hampton. "There should be a chief and there should be a Town Manager."

The shouts and protests may continue on August 31st when a public hearing will be heard on the proposal which could make the First Selectman the first in the state to also be named police chief.