Trumbull First Selectman Herbst, Library Director Say Police Chief Not at Painting Meeting

The Trumbull painting controversy continued over the weekend after Richard Resnick’s Attorney Bruce Elstein alleged that Police Chief Michael Lombardo was present during a meeting with First Selectman Tim Herbst and Library Director Susan Horton when the painting was ordered to be taken down.

Herbst said the allegation is a “complete and utter lie,” according to the Trumbull Times. He said Lombardo was walking out of his office after meeting on an unrelated matter while Horton was walking inside.

Horton told the Times that Lombardo wasn’t in on the meeting. Elstein said Horton didn’t contact him to clarify that Lombardo was there in passing, but still maintained the position that his presence wasn’t a coincidence.

Herbst said Elstein should apologize for dragging Lombardo’s name into the controversy.

Elstein also wrote town officials a letter (which he released on social media) in which he says that the new indemnification agreement provided to Resnick has new stipulations, such as the obligation to restore library walls upon removal of the art collection.

He also questioned if the agreement would release the town from a violation of civil rights due to the situation, but added that Resnick has no present plan to take action against the town.

Resnick penned an open letter (which can be read here) about the situation.

The ACLU wrote a letter to town officials with the legal opinion that there is no viable copyright infringement claim.

Read the full Trumbull Times report here.

Related stories:

• ACLU Weighs In on Trumbull Mother Teresa Painting Controversy
• Trumbull Officials Provide Legal Agreement to End Painting Issue
• Herbst: Painting Goes Back Up in Trumbull When Town Gets Agreement
• Painting Causes Controversy in Trumbull, Owner Says Town is Protected