Town Counsel Ken Albano met with the Board of Selectmen last night to discuss possible conflicts of interest that could arise with newly elected board member Tracy Cesan.
Cesan is a full-time employee of the Southwick Fire Department, where she is the assistant to Chief Richard Anderson. During her campaign, Cesan reached out to the state ethics commission and told Albano and her fellow board members that she understands the legalities, she knows there will be times she cannot vote, and she feels comfortable with it.
“I think it’s black and white and I have to stay away from fire department issues, and I’m comfortable with it,” said Cesan.
Cesan added that she does not think her situation is unusual and past selectmen have also had conflicts. She said there could be a conflict now with Selectman Russ Fox voting on Recreation Center issues because he is on that board.
“This is not unique,” said Cesan.
Albano said he has 25 years experience as an attorney and is well-versed in conflict of interest law. Albano said it is his job to inform the board of any conflicts and Cesan can decide whether or not to vote on a particular measure.
“There will be situations when she will need input from me and the state ethics commission on whether or not she should be voting, then it’s up to her,” said Albano. “My role is to provide you with the law and how I interpret it.”
Cesan said if the board is going to use Albano’s services, it should use them across the board.
