WINDHAM — A town councilor abruptly ended her bid for re-election Tuesday night, after a heated discussion over allegations that she violated the town charter.

Councilor Donna Chapman came under fire this month for an interview she gave to a newspaper about Windham police Sgt. Michael Denbow, a 29-year veteran of the force who was fired in August. Denbow’s dismissal stemmed from his role in a controversy over the town’s public safety dispatching.

Denbow is accused of investigating Councilor Bill Tracy without authorization, questioning his role in the move to shut down Windham’s dispatch center and join the county’s dispatch operation. Denbow is appealing his termination.

Chapman announced at the end of Tuesday’s meeting that she is withdrawing from the election. “There is dirty, nasty politics going on in town,” she said.

Kenneth Cole, the town attorney, contends that Chapman violated Windham’s charter when she discussed Denbow’s firing early this month with the Windham Independent.

“Her statements clearly could prejudice the town’s position in Denbow’s appeal,” Cole said in a letter to Town Manager Tony Plante, dated Oct. 8. Cole said before the meeting that Chapman also violated a communications policy approved by the council on Sept. 14, requiring councilors to refer questions or concerns about personnel matters to the town manager’s office.

At a meeting on Oct. 19, Chapman requested a discussion of the issue during Tuesday’s public meeting, not in an executive session. The council did not support her motion.

“I have done nothing wrong,” Chapman said at the meeting. “I think, Mr. Tracy, you need to take a long inward look at yourself before you serve as chairman again.”

Residents were angered by the council’s decision not to allow public discussion.

“Step up to the plate,” said Elaine Pollock.

“Vote them all out,” said Carl Russell. “You’re our servants.”

“Shame on you,” said Liz Wisecup, a former councilor.

At the start of Tuesday’s hearing, several residents spoke in favor of Denbow’s actions, calling on town officials to reinstate him to the force. Wisecup said the town’s policy on communication between councilors and town employees is unfair and should be amended.

“It destroys trust, limits motivation, destroys morale and instills fear,” she said. “Some councilors are attempting to intimidate and use their power to muzzle Councilor Chapman’s right to free speech. (Councilor Tracy’s) repeated schoolyard bullying behavior only seeks to protect his own fragile ego.”

Carol Waig resigned from the council on Sept. 14, after the council approved the communication policy on a 6-1 vote.

Chapman will finish her term, which ends Nov. 9. Kevin Call and Patrick Corey are running for her seat on the council.

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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