WARREN, Maine — The chairman of the Board of Selectmen filed nomination papers before Friday afternoon’s deadline and will be uncontested on the March ballot despite being under a criminal investigation for an altercation with the town’s public works supervisor.
Michael York filed papers last week to seek a second consecutive three-year term on the board.
Public Works supervisor Douglas Gammon filed a notice of claim with the town last month, seeking damages of more than $150,000. He claims that York came on his property, refused to leave and then punched him. The public works supervisor suffered a torn ligament and tendon damage to his thumb, according to the notice.
Gammon’s version was contested in a statement last month from York’s attorney Christopher MacLean of Camden.
“The version of events described in the notice of claim and by Mr. (Douglas) Gammon’s personal injury lawyer is simply not true. The truth is that without provocation, Mr. Gammon punched Mr. York in the face on Nov. 5. Unfortunately, we cannot stop Mr. Gammon and his lawyer from making whatever allegations they want, but we are confident that when the truth comes out, Mr. York will be fully vindicated.”
No lawsuit has been filed but notices of claim are required in Maine before a person can sue a government body.
Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Baroody said Monday that no decision has been made on whether criminal charges will be filed against anyone. The local prosecutor said he was still waiting for some reports.
There are two selectmen seats on the March 23 ballot. The other is held by Selectman Edmund Laflamme.
Laflamme filed papers seeking re-election and will be opposed by challengers William O’Donnell and James Kinney.
Other people had taken out papers — including former state Senate candidate Paula Sutton and former Knox County Sheriff candidate Michael Phillips but they did not file their papers by Friday’s deadline.
Incumbent Regional School Unit 40 Board member Sara Andrews will be uncontested.
And sanitary district members Clayton Winchenbach and Edward Courtenay also are unopposed for two seats.
The polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 23 at the town office.
The town meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., March 24, at the Warren Community School.