Select Board Adopts Conduct Policy, Police Audit Charge

Select Board · Meeting of October 5, 2026

Paxton Select Board adopted a new electronic communications policy hours before a Finance Committee member accused its leaders of an email scandal. The board unanimously approved the conduct policy, prompted by what Chair Julia called "unfortunate communications," then heard from Finance Committee member Carl Otmar, who said Chair Mark Love and Vice Chair Jeremy Richard traded disparaging emails about him that were accidentally broadcast on Paxton Cable, and that a records request filed more than two weeks earlier remains unanswered. "Paxton deserves better," Otmar said.

The board also adopted a charge for a new six-member Police Department Operational Audit Committee, due to report within 180 days, appointed Town Administrator Robert to it, and confirmed Forest Thorpe as acting police chief. Members set trick-or-treat for Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., and approved a political sign for Senate candidate Shannon Thiebaud through November 3.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 4,032 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.