BETHEL – At a special board meeting Wednesday, selectmen answered a request from fired police Chief Darren Tripp for information about citizen-initiated petitions.

Tripp wanted a petition form from Town Clerk Christen Mason, or the board’s acceptance of a form that he and his wife, Haley Tripp, would provide.

That sample form from the Tripps asks selectmen to place an article – “Shall the Town of Bethel reinstate Darren M. Tripp to the position of Chief of Police?” – before voters to consider at a secret ballot vote.

Darren Tripp was fired on Feb. 12 by Town Manager Scott Cole. Selectmen voted 3-2 March 11 to uphold that termination.

Darren Tripp said he only sought advice on the petition form, not whether or not the process is legal.

“I’m not sure I’m right, but I’ve been reading the statutes and understanding them one way. I feel I need to follow all my avenues up until the doors are shut,” Darren Tripp said.

Brown then motioned that:

• The Tripps obtain their own legal advice on the preparation of the petition.

• The Board of Selectmen has no intent to unreasonably question its form or content.

• The board does not believe the petition can lead to a lawful vote to reinstate Darren Tripp as police chief.

It was approved by a 3-0 vote from acting board Chairman Reggie Brown and Selectmen Don Bennett and Jack Cross.

Board Chairman Harry Dresser Jr. was on vacation, and Selectman Al Barth resigned Tuesday, after his house was sold.

After Tripp left and prior to adjourning, selectmen then discussed with Cole, town attorney Geoff Hole’s March 17 letter to the board about the proposed petition process.

Hole stated that under Maine statute, only municipal officers can give an individual the power to act as a police officer.

This means, Hole said, that even if a court allowed the vote to go forward, the petitioners don’t have the ability to convey to Darren Tripp the powers of a police officer.

“Regardless of whether the petition process is appropriate for this issue, if a petitioned article can come to no lawful purpose, the courts will support a refusal by the municipal officers to call a town meeting,” Hole added.

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