Contentious BOE Meeting Intensifies Dispute
Six days ago, the BOE held a highly contentious meeting that further deepened the divide between Democratic and Republican members. The meeting was marked by sharp exchanges, procedural disputes, and significant decisions on various agenda items.
Exclusion of Cappiali and Inclusion of Behette
Despite being officially appointed and sworn in by the BOS, Republican appointee Paul Cappiali was excluded from participating fully in the meeting. Instead, Jennifer Behette, whose appointment is being contested, was included and participated in the proceedings.
Republican board member Wendy Vizzo objected to Cappiali’s exclusion and Behette’s inclusion, stating, “He is the only certified board member. We have a duty to recognize him.” Acting Chair Karen Hirsch dismissed these objections, noting that the matter was not on the agenda, which she created, and should not be discussed during the meeting.
Officer Elections Amid Controversy
The board proceeded with officer elections:
- Chair Election: Karen Hirsch was nominated and elected as chair with votes from Democratic members Hirsch, Kathleen Stowe, Laura Kostin, Sophie Koven, and from Behette. Republican members Vizzo, Michael Joseph Mercanti-Anthony, and Cody Kittle either abstained or voted for Mercanti-Anthony.
- Vice-Chair Election: Behette was nominated and elected as vice-chair with votes from the same Democratic members. Republican members declined nominations and abstained, expressing concerns over the legality and legitimacy of the proceedings.
- Secretary Election: Laura Kostin was nominated for secretary. The vote resulted in a tie due to abstentions from Republican members and an abstention from Behette, leading to uncertainty over the election’s validity. The board decided to revisit this election at a later date.
Republican members questioned the legitimacy of the elections, arguing that including Behette, whose appointment is under legal challenge, compromised the integrity of the board’s actions.
Michael Joseph Mercanti-Anthony expressed frustration, stating, “There’s ongoing disagreement among the members that I don’t believe that our membership has been properly addressed.”
Key Agenda Items Addressed Amidst Tension
Despite the contentious atmosphere, the board addressed several important matters:
- Hamilton Avenue HVAC Evaluation Report Tabled: The board discussed the Hamilton Avenue HVAC Evaluation Report but decided to table its acceptance due to outstanding questions and incomplete information.
- Old Greenwich School Interim Appropriation Approved: The board approved a request for an interim appropriation of $1,964,185 to bolster the owner contingency fund for the Old Greenwich School building project. Republican member Wendy Vizzo abstained, expressing concerns about the escalating costs of the project.
- Budget Transfers and Financial Reports Approved: The board authorized budget transfers and reviewed monthly financial reports without significant opposition.
- Policy Updates Prompt Debate: The board reviewed a first read of Policy 9311, related to hiring practices and diversity, as required by state law. Republican member Vizzo expressed reservations about portions of the policy, suggesting that it might overreach and lead to micromanagement.
- Western Middle School Soil Update: Superintendent Toni Jones provided an update on the long-closed fields at Western Middle School, announcing that the fields were expected to reopen in early December.
Public Outcry and Allegations of Undermining Bipartisanship
During the public comment segment, resident Jackie Homan criticized the Democratic board members for their actions regarding the board appointments and the exclusion of Cappiali. She accused them of undermining the board’s bipartisan structure mandated by the town charter.
“Who gave you the authority to remove a legally appointed BOE member and deny him the right to vote?” Homan asked. “The Democrats have taken advantage of the situation to pick someone loyal to them who was unacceptable to all the Republican BOE members and the RTC.”
Legal Challenges and Impact on Governance
The ongoing dispute has cast a shadow over the BOE’s effectiveness. Critical decisions are being made amid legal challenges and questions about the board’s legitimacy. Republican members have expressed concern that any decisions made during this period could be invalidated if the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) rules against the emergency meeting and subsequent actions.
First Selectman Fred Camillo criticized the Democrats’ actions as a “power grab” and emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures and respecting the town charter’s provisions for bipartisan representation.
“This was an orchestrated move to sideline the proper appointment process and install their preferred candidate,” Camillo stated.
