Police Chief Paul Callaghan and Town Manager Robert Markel both resigned on Monday night, citing town politics.

KITTERY, Maine (AP) _ Kittery's police chief and town manager have both resigned, citing town politics.

Police Chief Paul Callaghan and Town Manager Robert Markel both resigned on Monday night.

Callaghan's resignation comes after less than a year on the job. In his letter of resignation, he cites a vote of no confidence in him taken by officers in the fall, and what he calls a department culture "not in step with modern police standards.''

The Portsmouth Herald reports that Markel's letter says he resigned because of three town councilors "who have interfered with personnel administration and acted in direct violation of the town charter.'' He said some councilors have relatives on, or close business relationships with, the police department.

The council voted 4-3 to accept Markel's resignation.