11 residents asking recall of Castriotta; Effort made to oust chairman of board.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Danielle M. Horn

HUBBARDSTON - Nearly a dozen voters have launched an effort to recall Selectman Matthew Castriotta, chairman of the board, from office.

Town Clerk Joyce Green confirmed yesterday 11 residents have signed an affidavit in support of removing Mr. Castriotta, who is serving his fourth three-year term as selectman.

Ms. Green said Chris P. Giglio, a retired police sergeant, collected the petitions on April 5. The effort comes after selectmen's decision last month to buy out Fire Chief Seth A. Knipe's contract.

Mr. Castriotta had argued for firing Chief Knipe, who was placed on leave in October 2008 after state police and the Worcester district attorney's office launched an investigation into the chief's ambulance billing practices. No criminal charges were filed, though the investigation did find billing mistakes.

The other two selectmen were divided on how to handle the matter. Selectman Michael S...