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Selectboard tables Planning Commission appointments after nepotism concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended three candidates for three open seats, including R. Kirsten Tyler; correspondence raised concerns about an appearance of nepotism because the recommending chair is related by prior family ties. The board tabled appointments for executive session to deliberate further.
The Selectboard on March 26, 2026 tabled Planning Commission appointments after public correspondence raised concerns about the appearance of nepotism. The PC had recommended Arthur Woolf, Ben Bornstein, and R. Kirsten Tyler to fill three open seats; Barb Peck submitted written concerns noting that Max Tyler, the PC chair who recommended Kirsten, is the applicant’s former in-law and that the relationship could create a perception of impropriety. Several Selectboard members discussed Vermont statute and VLCT guidance before deciding the appointing body should further deliberate in executive session.
Board members weighed competing considerations: some urged caution about even the appearance of impropriety, while others warned of a volunteer shortage in small towns that can make strict exclusions counterproductive. Nick Nichols suggested Max recuse himself from the recommendation; several residents and candidates addressed the board with character references for applicants. The board voted to table the appointment and move deliberations to executive session (motion passed 5-0).
