Selectmen ask ethics commission for clarification on party limits and 'closed' session language

The Griswold Board of Selectmen agreed on Tuesday to ask the ethics commission for clarification about proposed changes to the town ethics ordinance, including whether the commission intends to increase committee size and to change the limit on members from 'no more than 3' of the same political party to 'no more than 4.'

During discussion, board members raised concerns that increasing the tolerated number of members from the same party could weaken safeguards intended to ensure representation of minority parties. One member said the proposed change "sounds like they're looking to have 6 people so they could have 4 out of 6 instead of 4 out of 5," questioning whether the change was about party balance or simply increasing membership to secure quorums.

The board also asked for clarification about terminology in the draft: whether the commission meant to use 'closed session' rather than 'executive session' and what legal differences, if any, the commission intended. Selectman Wayne Malan urged the board to ask where the 'closed session / executive session' wording originated during a prior ethics review.

Chair moved, and Selectman Daniella made a motion — which was seconded and approved — directing Selectman Matt Daniella to contact the commission secretary, Elizabeth Scannell, to ask for clarification on addendum item 35-5a and on the closed-session language. The board also approved adding a follow-up question on the same topic.

The board did not adopt ordinance language at the meeting; members said they will return with the commission's response for further consideration.