Simsbury Mulls Changes To Town's Ethics Code

SIMSBURY, CT — The Simsbury Board of Selectmen hosted a public hearing July 13 on proposed amendments to the town's ethics code, hearing calls from residents for stronger accountability while delaying action pending additional legal review.

The hearing concerned proposed amendments to Chapter 13 of the Simsbury Town Code, the town's Code of Ethics.

Following a motion by Selectman Diana Yeisley, seconded by Board member Curtis Looney, the board unanimously opened the public hearing.

Two residents spoke during the hearing.

Joan Coe of Whitcomb Drive said the Code of Ethics establishes standards of conduct for public officials, employees, board members and consultants that promote transparency, protect public resources and build community trust.

Coe said the Simsbury Board of Ethics should be willing to discipline unethical conduct through measures including warnings, demotions, suspensions or terminations, and said members must remain impartial when evaluating conflicts of interest.

Resident Lori Boyko said the proposed revisions represent "nominal changes" to the ethics code and argued stronger safeguards are needed to maintain public confidence in local government.

Boyko distinguished between what she described as "Big E ethics," which are codified in state law or local ordinances, and "little e ethics," which involve personal integrity and conflicts of interest that may not be addressed in law.

She cited examples of state ethics decisions that overturned local ethics board determinations and said there should "never be a question of propriety of the town's official acts."

Boyko also said she believes conflicts of interest occur in Simsbury more frequently than they should and benefit small groups or individuals.

After no additional public comments, Looney moved to close the hearing, with board member Mike Paine seconding the motion. The board voted unanimously to close the hearing at 6:07 p.m.

Following the hearing, Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said the proposed amendments will undergo additional review by the town attorney.

She said the board of selectmen expects to continue its discussion, if necessary, at its August meeting before considering further action.

For the minutes of the July 13 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

For the proposed Code of Ethics changes, click on this link and scroll to Page 3