MANSFIELD - The leader of a drive to recall two of the town's selectmen is the target of accusations that he used language demeaning to women, and referred to Town Clerk Helen Christian by a sexually-charged epithet during a visit to the town hall last week.

Keith Purrier of 81 Ware St. also received a letter from Police Chief Arthur O'Neill, warning that he could be barred from town hall if such incidents continue. However Purrier, in a letter to O'Neill, denied using foul language or intimidation, and said it was Christian who first raised her voice. He also upbraided O'Neill for not investigating thoroughly before sending the letter.

Purrier says he has collected about 400 signatures to recall selectmen Louis Amoruso and David McCarter since filing a signed affidavit with the clerk's office. The recall drive erupted after a U.S. District Court verdict awarding two former electric department employees a total of $1.45 million in a lawsuit against Town Manager John D'Agostino, who is appointed by selectmen, and the department.

The suit charged that D'Agostino fired former electric department Director John Beliveau in retaliation for supporting allegations of sexual harassment brought against the town manager by a female employee. The employee, Kimberly Stoyle, also brought suit, and was part of the winning side in the verdict.

O'Neill's letter, a copy of which was provided by the town clerk's office, said Purrier referred to Christian as an (obscenity deleted) woman when he was at the clerk's office Friday seeking recall-related documents. "Additionally your words demeanor and actions were demeaning to female staff, making them very uncomfortable and in fear for their safety," O'Neill wrote. O'Neill also wrote that at one point Purrier was escorted from the building by a deputy fire chief.

Purrier denied making the obscene comment.

"I did not say that," said Purrier. "Why would I come in swearing at people when I was asking for recall papers?" Purrier said the phrase he used was "you friggin' weirdos."

Purrier also denied that he had to be escorted from the building, saying he was leaving to make a phone call.

Christian said she asked Purrier to repeat what he said, and she knows what she heard.

"There were witnesses," she said.

Purrier said he initially came to town hall around 8 a.m. on Friday to request recall papers for Amoruso and McCarter, but was told that Christian, who was on vacation, would have to sign for them. Under the town charter, only the town clerk is authorized to sign recall petitions.

Purrier said he then left to obtain paperwork the clerks told him he would need to begin the recall and returned shortly before 11. A worker in the town clerk's office called Christian, who agreed to come in to deal with the matter.

The Ware Street resident said Christian took him into her office, and the discussion quickly became heated, with the town clerk asking him if he knew "what you're doing to this town" and pointing her finger in his face. He said he asked in return if she knew how much the ramifications of the lawsuit would cost the town. He said he left after Christian held up an open palm in front of face.

Christian said she found Purrier agitated when she arrived at the town clerk's office, and that she asked him to come to her office in an attempt to calm him. She denied making gestures at Purrier and said he used inflammatory language. "In this office we conduct ourselves professionally," Christian said. "We don't have to have that."

Purrier said he returned a half-hour later and found Christian, along with the police chief, at the office. He said he received the recall petition, and left the building. He said he has visited the town clerk's office three times since, all without incident.

The Ware street resident wrote that if the police chief thought his behavior had left employees fearful, he could have warned him verbally at that time.

Purrier said he sent copies of his reply to O'Neill's allegations to the town clerk and town manager's office and said he plans to contact the state attorney general's office and the ethics commission.

RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.