Templeton official banned after "go postal" comment

A member of Templeton's Conservation Commission has been banned from town buildings after he told the Board of Selectmen at a meeting last month he would "go postal" on them.

Police Chief David Whitaker said in a no trespassing order issued to Paul Cosentino that the phrase was a perceived threat and his conduct at the Sept. 27 meeting was "frightening and disturbing."

Cosentino tells the Worcester Telegram & Gazette he used the phrase as a joke because of his frustration at not being able to discuss commission business with the board. He says board members laughed.

The no trespassing order requires Cosentino to give one-hour notice whenever he needs to enter a town building so security can be arranged. The order expires Oct. 20, but can be extended.