Damariscotta Police Chief Steve Drake remains on indefinite paid administrative leave almost two weeks after his April 6 suspension.
Damariscotta Town Manager Greg Zinser made the decision to place Drake on leave following a discussion of the Damariscotta Police Dept. budget at an April 6 meeting of the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen.
A visibly upset Drake left the meeting after a tense exchange with town officials and citizens.
Zinser, citing state law regarding confidentiality of personnel matters, has consistently declined comment on the reason(s) for the suspension. He has said it is “not a disciplinary action.”
Instead, the leave provides “both parties time to calm down” and “move on in an orderly fashion,” Zinser said.
Zinser and Drake met after the April 6 selectmen’s meeting, at which time Zinser informed Drake of his decision.
Drake said he “vented to” Zinser during the late night conversation.
Drake’s contract expires June 30. Drake has said he rejected an offer of a severance package and he thinks the town plans to keep him on leave until his contract ends, effectively terminating his employment.
Damariscotta resident Mary Trescot started a petition drive to reinstate Drake and offer him a new, three-year contract. Damariscotta voters can sign the petition at Louis L. Doe Home and Pet Center, Romeo’s Pizza and Yellowfront Grocery, she said.
Trescot said the goal of the drive is to “get a message to the town that there are people concerned.”
The total number of signatures was unavailable at press time.
Zinser said the petition has no legal authority. “The town can’t dictate who is hired and who is fired,” he said.
If the town receives the petition, it will contact legal counsel in order to confirm the point, Zinser said.
A Facebook page, “Community in Support of Chief Drake,” claims nearly 350 likes as of April 19 at 3:30 p.m.
Drake’s online supporters communicate via the page and a number plan to attend the next meeting of the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen on Wed., April 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Zinser said neither Drake nor the department is on the agenda for the meeting, although the board expects people to turn out to speak about the issue.
