February 25, 2014 2:00 AM

YORK, Maine The issue of ownership of York's beaches attracted a roomful of residents and media Monday night, but the Board of Selectmen deferred discussing action until it meets with the town attorney at the board's next meeting on March 10.

The meeting to address Chairman Ron Nowell's assertion that the only way to protect York's beaches from private interests is for the town to buy them, may or may not be in a closed session, according to comments made by two of the board members.

Selectman Torbert Macdonald said meeting in executive session is allowed under the state's Right to Know law for the purpose of property acquisition, while Nowell disagreed, saying he didn't believe it was a reason for meeting behind closed doors.

Macdonald said, "I would say the situation we're in ... the more we talk in public ... the more we undercut our own competitive position."

Other selectmen were upset with Nowell for attracting media attention with his comments to buy the beach, prior to bringing the issue to them in a public meeting.

"We're starting to govern again by newspaper articles and television cameras," Selectwoman Mary Andrews said.

"Guilty on all counts," Nowell said.

Selectwoman Kinley Gregg said she didn't know why Nowell would make inflammatory comments.

"Sorry it bothers you, but tough luck," Nowell said.

Continued here:

York selectmen put topic of beach ownership on hold until March 10