Public Voices Deserve Respect — Not Rejection from the First Selectman

Today's Facebook post, written by our town's First Selectman, who is seeking reelection, is quite concerning. First, I'd love to hear a valid argument for why an Ethics Commission would be a bad thing for our town's government? We've had too many violations with our current 'honors system' regarding financial mismanagement, voter manipulation, disregard for easement agreements, slander, and much more. How could an ethics commission make things any worse? The answer is it can't.

Original Post Signed by Our First Selectman & Shared on the Pomfret Democratic Town Committee Facebook Page

A First Selectman should never discourage open conversation or attempt to sway public opinion on how residents should vote, especially when citizens have exercised their right to petition for a town meeting on a specific concern. The role of a First Selectman is to serve as a neutral facilitator of government, ensuring transparency, fairness, and equal representation for all voices in the community—not to act as a gatekeeper or political influencer. When a leader uses their position to shut down discussion or direct the outcome of a vote before the community has had the chance to be heard, it undermines the democratic process, erodes public trust, and silences the very people they were elected to represent. Town meetings exist to give residents a platform to express their concerns, debate respectfully, and make informed decisions together—free from bias or intimidation.

Your Voice. Your Values. Your Vote.

Pomfret residents deserve open conversation, respectful debate, and transparency in how our town decisions are made.

The upcoming Special Town Meeting will include two important votes that affect our community’s future:

1. Interlocal Agreement with Putnam for sharing the Transfer Station– A cooperative initiative to benefit both towns.

2. Proposal to Establish an Ethics Commission– A measure that deserves thoughtful discussion — not dismissal or predetermined direction.

   
   

Why Show Up?

When leaders discourage discussion or try to steer votes before hearing from residents, it weakens our democratic process.

Pomfret works best when everyone’s voice is heard.

Let’s ensure decisions are made with the community, not for it.

🗣️ Be part of the conversation — USE YOUR V.O.I.C.E.

Voters Openly Involving Community Ethics

📍 Pomfret Community School

📆 Monday, October 27 – 7:00 PM