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Public urges stronger enforcement and clarity in proposed Simsbury ethics code changes
Summary
At a July 13 public hearing, residents called for clearer standards and impartial enforcement in proposed amendments to Simsbury’s Code Chapter 13 (Ethics). Board members said the Town Attorney will review the changes before further action.
Residents attending the Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting on July 13 urged the board to strengthen proposed amendments to Chapter 13 of the Town Code, which governs ethics for public officials, employees, board members and consultants.
Joan Coe said the code should establish clear standards of conduct, protect public resources and enable impartial enforcement, including warnings, demotions, suspensions or termination for serious violations. Lori Boyko urged the board to eliminate any question about the propriety of town actions and distinguished between ‘‘Big E’’ ethics codified in statute and ‘‘little e’’ personal integrity issues that still demand attention.
First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis and other selectmen opened the public hearing and later closed it at 6:07 p.m.; Ms. Mackstutis said the Town Attorney will review the proposed changes and the Board may revisit the item at its August meeting. No formal amendments were adopted at the July 13 meeting.
Why it matters: Speakers said a clear, enforceable code builds public trust and protects municipal resources. The board’s next steps — review by the Town Attorney and potential follow‑up at the August meeting — will determine whether the changes move forward and how enforcement authority and sanctions will be implemented.
The hearing closed without a vote on the text; the Board deferred further action pending the attorney’s review and further discussion at a future meeting.
