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Board member John Trachy declines to recuse himself from Camp Sunapee hearing
Summary
Board member John Trachy asked whether he should recuse himself as an abutter from the RSM Camp Sunapee subdivision hearing; after a brief roll-call reaction and discussion of State recusal standards, Trachy chose not to recuse and the applicant representatives said they had no objection.
At the start of the RSM Camp Sunapee subdivision hearing, Board Member John Trachy asked whether he should recuse himself because he is an abutter. Tim Bray, the town Zoning Coordinator, told the board the State RSA standard applies: recusal is required only when a member stands to gain financially or otherwise receives a direct benefit from the outcome.
The board conducted a roll-call reaction: Ken Jacques and Darrin indicated yes that recusal could be appropriate; several other members said they were neutral and that Trachy should decide for himself. Trachy chose not to recuse. Brian Pratt (Fuss & O’Neil) and property owner Victor Rifkin stated they did not object to Trachy remaining on the panel despite his abutter status.
The board proceeded with the hearing and later voted to approve the subdivision with conditions. The meeting record does not include any formal challenge or motion to disqualify Trachy after he declined to recuse himself.
