Seymour Ethics Board Could Act Monday in Complaint Involving Town Official

SEYMOUR, Conn. — The Seymour Board of Ethics is scheduled to meet Monday, November 9, at 6 p.m. The town’s posted agenda lists possible action on a complaint the board has been reviewing since this summer.

The Valley Independent Sentinel reported that the complaint concerns Selectperson Al Bruno and was filed by Kim Dulka Warner, owner of Red Clover Farms. The complaint’s accusations have not been made public. The board has discussed the matter in closed sessions, and no decision has been announced.

A Separate Dispute Over the Farm

The complaint comes amid a separate dispute over activities at the farm and Seymour’s land use rules. The town issued a cease and desist order earlier this year. Seymour later adopted new agritourism rules, and a court order voided the cease and desist. The farm owner’s court case is still pending.

Those land use decisions do not establish that an ethics violation occurred. The ethics board’s review is a separate process governed by the town’s ethics ordinance.

Bruno’s Role on the Ethics Commission

The town’s website lists Bruno as a member of its Ethics Commission. The Valley Independent Sentinel reported that he has not been seated to review the complaint against him. How the board handles the recusal question and whether it announces a finding after Monday’s meeting will be worth watching.

No finding of wrongdoing has been announced. The New England Voice will continue to follow the board’s proceedings.

Sources

• Official source: Seymour’s meeting calendar and November 9 ethics board agenda, confirming the meeting date and that possible action is listed.
• Reporting on the complaint: Valley Independent Sentinel, November 6, reporting who filed the complaint and that its allegations have not been made public.