FOIC Complaint Filed Against Town Of Washington
Second complaint in two years
By Diane Orson - WNPR
Published: May 17, 2010
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FOIC Complaint Filed Against Town Of Washington
State media attention has been focused on the corruption trial of Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez. But about an hour west of Hartford, in the scenic town of Washington, Connecticut, another smaller tempest is brewing. A local official has filed a Freedom of Information Complaint over the handling of a town job that was quietly awarded to the First Selectman’s son.
In 2008, the town of Washington received a $300,000 state grant to fix up the Lake Waramaug boat ramp and beach house. The cottage was completed in February, and earlier this month residents found out that the new tenant was the son of the First Selectman. In exchange for nominal rent, the tenant serves as a part-time caretaker for the beach. The decision raised eyebrows and prompted some residents to call for the creation of an local ethics code.
Last week, town Housing Commission chair Wayne Hileman filed an FOIC complaint. "For me, the real issue is that we had five public officials, conducting public business concerning public property and there is absolutely no public record of it. That can’t be right."
WNPR was unable to reach the First Selectman for comment. This is the second FOIC complaint filed against officials in the town of Washington in the past two years.
For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.
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