September 19, 2012
Danville selectman still refuses to resign
By Doug Ireland direland@eagletribune.com
DANVILLE — Selectman
Russell Harding, charged with assaulting a teenage boy, has again refused to resign.
Fellow selectmen censured Harding at their meeting Monday night, seeking his resignation for the second time since his confrontation with the teenager Aug. 18 during the town’s Movie Night.
Harding, 35, faces two counts of simple assault, both misdemeanors, for allegedly shoving the boy and grabbing him by the neck and pushing his head against a table. Harding turned himself in to state police Sept. 6 and was released on $5,000 personal recognizance bail. He is to be arraigned Sept. 24 in Circuit Court in Plaistow.
Harding gave a simple “no” without further explanation when asked Monday if he would resign, Selectmen’s Chairman Shawn O’Neil said. The rest of the board also asked him to resign Sept. 4.
Harding admits pushing the teenager, but nothing more. He has refused to comment on the incident since his arrest. The confrontation occurred when Harding thought the teen was damaging the town’s movie equipment.
Under state law, a public official can only be removed from office if convicted of a felony, according to New Hampshire Local Government Center spokeswoman Laura Simoes.