Public hearing opens on Simsbury ethics code as residents press for stronger enforcement

The Board of Selectmen opened a public hearing on proposed amendments to chapter 13 (the town ethics code) on July 13 and heard public testimony urging stricter enforcement and clearer processes.

Laurie Boykin, Joan Coe and other residents told the board the town needs both statutory (big‑E) and personal‑integrity (small‑e) standards enforced, referencing state case law that the court has used to overturn local decisions where conflicts of interest existed. "The purpose of the rule is to keep the official guidelines of town government so far removed from any taint of self‑interest," one commenter said, citing court decisions discussed during public comment.

Joan Coe separately alleged that Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio filed a no‑trespass complaint against her; she asked for impartial handling of ethics complaints and for the town to select ethics‑board candidates who will evaluate complaints without favoritism.

The chair moved to open the hearing; the motion passed and the board closed the hearing after public comment, noting the comments will be returned for discussion at the next meeting and that the town attorney will be asked to provide guidance. No formal changes to the charter were adopted on July 13.