North Canaan selectmen appoint Ingrid Smith as temporary assistant town clerk

The North Canaan Board of Selectmen voted Oct. 14 to appoint Ingrid Smith as Assistant Town Clerk, with the appointment described as temporary and effective immediately through the Nov. 4, 2025 election.

First Selectman Brian Ohler read Smith’s biography into the record and cited "State Statute 7-20" as the legal basis for the selectmen’s authority to make the appointment. Selectman Craig Whiting moved to appoint Smith, and Ohler seconded the motion. Whiting said the candidate was "non-biased and has experience."

Selectman Jesse Bunce questioned why the board was not utilizing Town Clerk Jeanne Jacquier for the duties and said he submitted emails from Jacquier’s attorney to the town attorney, which he read into the record and later provided in hard copy to the Administrative Assistant. Bunce stated, "There is currently no resignation for Ms. Jacquier on file." Ohler said he could not verify those emails at the meeting.

The board voted on the motion: Ohler and Whiting voted yes; Bunce abstained. The motion passed by majority vote, appointing Ingrid Smith to the temporary position. Ohler stated that, in accordance with the cited statute, the appointment is "temporary beginning today to the election, November 4, 2025."

The special meeting included no public comment. After the appointment vote, Whiting moved to adjourn, Ohler seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 3:09 p.m.

The meeting record lists First Selectman Brian Ohler, Selectman Jesse Bunce and Selectman Craig Whiting (participating by phone) as present. The administrative record was signed by Recording Secretary Ayrslea A Odell.