Board of Selectmen Meeting December 12, 2022

Board of Selectmen Meeting December 12, 2022

Once again, the failure of Town Manager Maria Capriola has been highlighted by the selection of people that are not knowledgeable in Simsbury issues, causing distrust and conflict between the largest taxpayers in Town and Town Planner George McGregor.

Recently, one the largest taxpayers in Town visited George McGregor about concerns about 442 Hopmeadow Street that has ongoing issues of blight and condemnation.

It is alleged that George McGregor became unhinged and asked the businessman to leave the office.

It is alleged that Town Planner George McGregor does not accept or return phone calls but transfers all calls to staff that cannot resolve the issue.

The Town Planner’s responsibility is to interface with the public with guidance and assurance that their concerns will be addressed, not become confrontational when questioned.

All of these issues have been shared with members of the Board of Selectmen, First Selectmen and Town Manager Maria Capriola without any resolve.

It appears that the six members of the Board of Selectmen are divided in 4-2 vote on most policy issues, including the performance of Town Manager Maria Capriola .

It is alleged that 4 members of the Board of Selectmen, Sean Askham, Eric Wellman, Chris Peterson and Amber Abbuhl are representing Town Manager Maria Capriola which is not in the best interest of the Town and are ignoring the checks and balances that lead to good government.

It appears that the Board of Selectmen does not have the votes to remove Town Manager Maria Capriola by not renewing her contract.

Town Manager Maria Capriole does not have the backing of business and residents to continue to manage the Town.

Since the Board of Selectmen do not have a consensus on the performance of Town Manager Maria Capriola and are not representing the residents of Simsbury, it is time for a Charter Revision Commission to be convened to discuss the form of government in Simsbury for the future.

The Board of Selectmen should review why recently hired employees, the Deputy Town Planner and the Animal Control Officer only lasted a couple of months.

Is there a problem with the selection process with thorough vetting of candidates?

On December 19, 2022, at 10 AM, Marc Lubetkin, owner of the Red Stone Pub is awaiting disposition on a Statutorily Sealed document.

On August 28, 2021, Marc Lubetkin was arrested at the Red Stone Pub, case # 2100034869 by the Simsbury Police.

The charges were: Illegal Discharge of Firearm, Illegal Carry Firearm Under Influence of Drugs/ Alcohol, Breach of Peace 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree and required to posted a $5,000 Bond. It is alleged that DCF was notified. The Liquor Commission investigated the arrest and concluded that Marc Lubetkin’s liquor license should be suspended. After a negotiated settlement, Mar Lubetkin paid a fine of $1,500 with all charges dropped.

On April 28, 2022 Marc Lubetkin was again arrested by the Simsbury Police for Evading Responsibility and Property Damage on an accident at Simsbury High School. Marc Lubetkin posted a $5,000 Bond, 10% in cash.

This arrest was not Statutorily Sealed. Lubetkin’s court date is December 19, 2022 at 10 AM for both arrests.

Another Statutorily Sealed arrest was for the arrest of Basma Bejdadi case # 2200022959 by the Simsbury Police for submitting a False Statement against a Simsbury Police Officer.

The court date for this case is May 30, 2023 at 10 AM.

It is alleged that the report implicates Chief Boulter in questioning the actions of the Simsbury Police Officer until he was cleared after reviewing his body cam.

On October 18, 2022 David Eddy was arrested by the Simsbury Police for Risk of Injury to a Child and a Sex Act without consent to a child under the age of 16 with a $150,000 Bond. This arrest was not Statutorily Sealed. The next court date is January 12, 2023.

Recently the charges were increased to 5 charges of sexual assault, promote minor-obscene performance, 3 counts of illegal sexual contact with a person under the age of 16, and possession of child porn. This arrest was not Statutorily Sealed.

It appears that there is a cloak of secrecy that permeates the actions of some when others are thoroughly investigated in a public forum.

Chief Boulter has changed the review process of police records specific to me, addressing my questions to a Lieutenant that is not always available.

Therefore, I have requested several reports under the Freedom of Information Act which is timely and unnecessary.

For decades my contact was the Records Room with a timely review.

Chief Boulter should change his policy that is arbitrary and capricious and not in the interest of transparency.