Politics
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Voters in Brownfield soundly rejected recall petitions against two selectmen Thursday after a period of sharp division that culminated in last month’s brawl after a town meeting.
Select Board Chair Ricky Emery survived his recall 405-196, and Selectman Brian Fortier survived his 397-204, according to a tally sheet signed by election clerks. Turnout exceeded 600 votes in the Oxford County town of 1,600 people on the New Hampshire border.
The recall push, driven by allegations that Emery and Fortier overspent town funds, had divided the town for months, with dueling signs lining Brownfield’s main roads ahead of Thursday’s vote.
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Tensions boiled over Aug. 18, when a shouting match outside a Select Board meeting turned physical. One woman said on video she had been punched in the face. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fight.
Planning Board member Vincent Carbone, who has clashed with town officials and was involved in the Aug. 18 altercation, spearheaded the recall effort. He was removed from the board earlier this year for missing meetings but was reinstated after arguing he had been unlawfully barred.
Two town employees have sought restraining orders against Carbone in the past year. Both were dismissed in a Bridgton court. He was also served a cease-harassment notice and a criminal trespassing warning in spring 2025.