Weston trustee Jim Pinstell resigns, residents and trustees criticize rapid appointment process

Trustee Jim Pinstell announced his resignation from the Village of Weston Board of Trustees during public comment, saying he had notified the clerk in writing and would surrender his building access fob and identification badge at the end of the meeting. "I resigned my position as an elected trustee in the Village of Weston, Wisconsin," Pinstell said, adding that he is stepping down because he no longer feels comfortable serving amid what he described as a board majority that favors decisions based on friendships and feelings rather than facts.

The resignation drew public criticism at the meeting and renewed concerns among some trustees about how the board fills vacancies. Resident Sarah Pitzel told the board she was "pushed too far" and accused Trustee Steve Cronin of orchestrating "a deliberate smear campaign" during the village election cycle. Pitzel said the alleged tactics "tarnish the reputation of an individual" and urged the board and staff to address the conduct and the rumors that Village President Mark Maloney might resign to permit an appointment of Cronin.

Several trustees and attendees raised transparency concerns after a vacancy was filled quickly. One trustee said the clerk appeared surprised that the new appointee would be sworn in immediately, which fueled questions about whether the decision was made with adequate public notice or opportunity for community input. At the meeting a trustee called for the record to note the lack of transparency and urged more open communication about appointments.

Board members did not take a formal vote on Pinstell's resignation during public comment; Pinstell said he expected the vacancy could be filled by appointment "maybe as soon as this evening." The transcript indicates a replacement was appointed before long, which prompted the public and at least one trustee to request clearer procedures and more public notice for future appointments.

Pinstell criticized what he called a pattern of decision-making he finds objectionable: he referenced a recent board discussion about paying a developer $450,000 he said had not met development agreement terms and owed more than $35,000 in unpaid property taxes. Pinstell said such decisions gave him "no good feeling" about continuing to serve and he expects further turnover on the board.

Trustee Steve Cronin, who was mentioned during public comments and later addressed attendees, urged residents with questions to contact him directly and noted his contact information is on the village website. Cronin also was identified in the meeting record as an on-call volunteer firefighter.

The board did not adopt new official appointment rules at the meeting, but trustees said they would return with discussion if needed. Several members suggested adding an agenda item in a future meeting to review appointment procedures and public-notice practices so that residents have clearer opportunities to apply or comment.

The meeting also included motions to enter closed session later in the agenda under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) for bargaining and property negotiations, but no formal vote to change appointment rules was recorded before adjournment.