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Resident urges apology and disciplinary action after police-report allegation; board says issue was handled in executive session
Summary
A resident read from a redacted police report alleging a select board member tried to influence a citation; the chair said the matter was handled in executive session and further action will follow after consultation with the MMA attorney.
A Bridgton resident told the Select Board the town’s voters deserve answers after reading passages from a redacted police report he said described a board member attempting to influence an officer and referencing that member’s elected status.
Mark Lopez, who identified himself during public comment, read excerpts from a redacted report and urged the board to ask the member to publicly acknowledge and apologize for the conduct. Lopez said the report alleges that the board member attempted to get a driver out of a ticket and told the officer she was wrong for issuing the citation.
Chair responded that the matter was discussed in executive session because it involves personnel, and that the board had followed the advice of the MMA attorney; he said he could not disclose executive-session details but would follow up with counsel and that "more will come from that." The board declined to discuss particulars on the public record at the meeting.
Why it matters: the complaint raises ethical concerns about elected officials' interactions with law enforcement and triggered an executive-session personnel discussion. Residents asked the board to make a public statement after attorney consultation.
What’s next: the chair said he will consult with the MMA attorney and provide further information after legal guidance and any appropriate follow-up steps are determined.
