Litchfield residents voted 167-50 Tuesday to recall Selectman Tim Lachapelle, who had rubbed some townspeople the wrong way by accusing several town officials of inappropriate conduct.

The recall is effective immediately with the recording of the election results under an ordinance passed by voters in October. State law dictates that the two remaining selectmen must hold a town meeting to elect Lachapelle’s replacement.

The selectmen probably will determine at their Jan. 9 meeting a date to hold an election, said Mark Russell, chairman of the Select Board. That election might not occur until February, he said, because the town has to give candidates several weeks to submit nomination papers.

Lachapelle did not respond to a call for comment Wednesday.

The results of the recall were reported by Lezley Sturtevant, the town’s deputy clerk.

Last fall, Litchfield voters petitioned for and passed a ordinance that allows for the recall of elected officials. Soon after that ordinance passed at a special town meeting, 213 residents signed a petition seeking the recall of Lachapelle, who was elected during a close three-way race in June.

 

Copy the Story Link