Board of Selectmen Meeting February 10, 2020

Board of Selectmen Meeting February 10, 2020

At the last Board of Selectmen Meeting First Selectmen Eric Wellman gave reasons for not approving the re-appointment of Jason Levy to the Conservation Commission.

Although First Selectman Eric Wellman has stated on a number of occasions that that he is for diversity, he appears not be tolerant of diversity of opinions.

First Selectman Eric Wellman stated anyone who serves on a commission should not speak adversely about the Town. Since when does adversity in speech nullify anyone from participating in Town government?

First Selectman Eric Wellman instituted a facebook page for the Town with people able to express their opinions. It appears that only people who agree with Eric Wellman should comment.

According to First Selectman Eric Wellman anyone who comments unfavorably about the Town, its representatives or any public comments in Public Audience, facebook or other social media pages should not be allowed to be appointed to any Board or Commission.

Jason Levy has served on the Conservation Commission favorably throughout his term.

As a paid elected official First Selectman Eric Wellman should uphold the Constitutional rights of all people. Why does First Selectman Eric Wellman feel the need to deny people their First Amendment rights? Eric Wellman is a self-appointed speech Czar.

Although First Selectman Eric Wellman did not vote for Jason Levy’s appointment, he did get the votes to continue his service to the Town.

On January 28, 2020 Chief Boulter had a celebration for Police Officer Gronski who graduated from the Police Academy June 26, 2019. At the beginning of the presentation Chief Boulter asked a Priest to officiate a prayer. Everyone was asked to stand and bow their heads in prayer. This was very unusual since this has never been done in Simsbury at meetings or celebrations. According to Chief Boulter it was his decision and not the policy of the Police Department.

It appears the only people needing divine intervention is Chief Boulter and Town Manager Maria Capriola and this prayer session was inappropriate.

Under the Freedom of information Act, I have requested several files from the Town that have been delayed several months. As a result of the delay of viewing the files, I have filed a complaint with the Freedom of Information Commission asking for a hearing before the Commission and impose a fine of $1000 on the Town for a delay in access to files in violation of the Freedom of information Act.

Many of the requests are for Internal Investigations in the Police Department

I have received the Police Internal Affairs Investigation of Sgt. Trombly who was terminated by Chief Boulter and the Police Commission.

I requested the Investigation of Officer Marano’s vandalized locker and findings.

The request for the Internal Investigation of Officer Russell’s and Sgt. Sagan’s Shot Gun Incident.

There is also an Internal Affairs Investigation of Sgt. Corcoran relating to Mark Rustic’s ( Building Superintendent) incident and his paid Medical Leave that I will request.

Another Internal Affairs Investigation of Officer Trevor Brittell on salary discrepancies that I will request.

On December 9, 2019, the Police Commission approved the appointment of Corey Thomas, our first black officer who was a police officer in New Britain.

Chief Boulter stated at the meeting that he thought Corey Thomas was a “good fit for the Simsbury Police Department.” Corey Thomas abruptly quit the Simsbury Police Department, after only two months allegedly stating that he felt the Simsbury Police Department was not a good fit for him and he will return to the New Britain Police Department.

During the month of February there will be several hearings with the Police Union. The findings should result in the return of Sgt. Trombly to the Simsbury Police Department.

I have requested the Labor Town Attorney files of paid invoices. None of these fees have been included in the 2019/2020 budget.

I have requested exit letters from past employees, letters to and from the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities on Gertrude Adusei’s complaint, and Janell Mullen’s Personnel file.

Robin Newton still has pending claims against Town Manager Maria Capriola.

Robin Newton will eventually return to her job in Simsbury.

Chief Boulter and Town Manager Maria Capriola have continually abused their power and should be removed from their office.

The taxpayers can no longer continue to pay for investigations and lawsuits against the Town and the Police Department. The taxpayers have no confidence in both Chief Boulter and Town Manager Maria Capriola for their failed leadership.

The Board of Selectman should vote to remove Town Manager Maria Capriola and the Police Commission should vote to remove Chief Boulter. Why has the Board of Selectmen ignored a failed leadership? Why has the Police Commission stood behind Chief Boulter with a department under constant investigations and failed leadership?