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Select Board debates ethics complaint process and whether investigations should be single‑person or panel
Summary
After the state pulled back assistance, the board discussed revisions to the town ethics investigation process and debated using a single designated liaison versus a small panel (three persons) to gather facts and avoid bias.
The Stamford Select Board held a lengthy discussion about proposed language for an ethics investigation and enforcement ordinance after the state paused direct support for local investigations. Board members and residents debated whether investigations should rely on one designated liaison or a small panel of volunteers to collect facts and present findings to the board.
Several participants urged a multi‑person approach to prevent bias, suggesting an odd number (three) so a lead could be chosen but not act alone. Others proposed a single lead investigator who would gather facts from volunteers and present a written report to the Select Board. The draft ordinance language circulated to the board will be edited to clarify whether investigators act as fact‑gatherers only and how conflicts of interest are managed; the Select Board emphasized its role as the ultimate decision maker.
No formal vote to adopt the revised investigative structure was taken; the draft was left open for revision and staff were asked to produce an updated version for review. Speakers emphasized that the town must establish a transparent protocol for handling complaints going forward.
