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Resident alleges mayoral 'cronyism' over sanitation committee appointment; council approves nominations
Summary
A Middletown resident accused the mayor of 'plain and clear cronyism' over the appointment of Jennifer Klein to the sanitation district committee; the council reviewed and approved multiple mayoral appointments, including the sanitation nominees, by roll-call votes on several items.
During public comment at the Dec. 2 Common Council meeting, resident Harry Brownsburg (speaker S10) objected to the mayor’s appointment of Jennifer Klein to the Sanitation District Committee, saying her role as Wesleyan University’s sustainability director created a conflict and representing “plain and clear cronyism.” Brownsburg asked the council to examine who initiated and recommended the appointment and urged transparency in the process.
"Who does the mayor serve? Is it the members of the public? Or is it just Wesleyan University?" Brownsburg asked during his remarks. He said he had sought the vacant seat and that he believed his enforcement background (he said he had experience in enforcement) would bring an independent perspective to the committee.
Council and staff responses: No formal rebuttal was recorded during the public comment period. City development director Christine Marks and other speakers focused on unrelated agenda items. The council proceeded to consider the mayor’s slate of appointments.
Council action: The council then moved through dozens of mayoral nominations. For the Sanitation District Commission, Hildred Pensierra and Jennifer Clientson were nominated and confirmed by vote (each motion recorded as approved; a roll call produced an 8–4 result on at least one related appointment). The Zoning Board of Appeals appointment of Christine Rebstock passed unanimously (12–0) when voted.
Context and limits: Brownburg’s claims were made during public comment and were not substantiated or disputed on the record at the meeting. The council did not delay or remove the nomination for further inquiry during the Dec. 2 session. If members of the public seek a formal review of appointment procedures, that would require subsequent council action or a formal complaint to the mayor’s office or ethics authority.
Next steps: Appointees will serve the terms stated in the mayor’s nominations; the council did not refer the Brownburg allegation to an oversight body during the meeting.
