Southington Council Clashes Over Allegations Of Political Interference On Filling Jobs

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Town Council confronted concerns over political influence in town hiring during its March 23 meeting.

During the council's last regularly scheduled meeting, members were divided over communications regarding a youth services position tied to the STEPS program.

Hiring concerns raised

During council member communications, GOP Councilperson Jennifer Clock said she circulated emails to colleagues earlier in the day related to a recent hiring discussion.

She pointed to an email sent by Democratic Councilperson Kristen Guida to a hiring committee recommending a specific candidate for a Youth Services position.

Clock said her concern was not about the candidate’s qualifications, but about the broader implications of elected officials weighing in on hiring decisions.

“Fair hiring practices require that all candidates be evaluated equally,” Clock said, warning that political influence — “real or perceived” — could create an unfair advantage and expose the town to legal challenges.

She added that such communication could “compromise what otherwise would have been a legitimate opportunity for the candidate.”

Clock also raised a separate issue involving a Southington Board of Finance member requesting resumes of human resources employees.

She said the board’s authority over budgeting “does not extend to accessing personal records” and cautioned against decisions based on opinions about individuals rather than the necessity of positions.

Clock urged colleagues to “take a step back, reset and recommit” to collaboration focused on residents.

Response and disagreement

Guida asked that her email be entered into the official record and defended her actions, saying her message was intended to recognize an individual’s work.

“That person should be celebrated, and the work they do is amazing,” Guida said, adding she suggested the individual “would be a good candidate for the position since they are already in the role.”

She said her email was limited in scope.

“It was just that and nothing more,” and noted she was unaware of any related communications from other council members.

Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky, a Republican, said the timing of Guida’s email — shortly after another council member requested expanding the interview pool to include the same candidate — contributed to a “perception of interference” the council must address.

He encouraged members to consult the town attorney and review the town charter to clarify their roles.

Guida also expressed concern about the state of the STEPS program, saying it is “falling apart and losing hope without leadership,” and emphasized that the position is funded but unfilled.

Clock reiterated her support for STEPS, but said her concern centers on the process.

“It has nothing to do with the program but everything to do with the process of fair hiring,” she said, adding that advocating for a specific candidate gives “an unfair privilege.”

Administration clarification

Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone said STEPS is not formally part of the Town of Southington, but that the position in question supports the program.

He said that the connection informed the decision to include bipartisan representation during interviews.

No formal action was taken on the matter.

Council leadership encouraged members to seek guidance on appropriate involvement in hiring and to adhere to established policies to avoid potential legal or ethical concerns.

For the minutes of the March 23 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.