Mass. selectman refuses to resign amid crosswalk controversy

BILLERICA, Mass. -- A selectman in Billerica, Mass., insists he won't resign, amid criticism for painting green and white crosswalks without the town's permission, reports CBS Boston.

George Simolaris said he painted the crosswalks after a local business owner on Friday asked him about three unfulfilled town pledges to paint the crosswalks at the town center. They were due to be painted in May, Simolaris told the station.

"I'm tired of telling people it's going to be done and it makes me look like a liar," he said.

"The crosswalks...you can't see them," he added.

So, he started painting the crosswalks over a three-day period, according to CBS Boston.

He insists he wasn't trying to be a "lone wolf," instead saying his primary concern is public safety.

On Sunday, however, Department of Public Words crews began power washing the crosswalks.

Town Manager John Curran says that while he understands where Simolaris is coming from, the project would have been done within the next few weeks. He said Simolaris should not mess with public safety, according to the station.

Now, Simolaris may have to cover the cost of cleanup, which is expected to reach over $4,000.

It is unclear whether Simolaris will also face criminal charges.