Southwick Selectwoman Tracy L. Cesan, left, expresses her displeasure of remaining the board clerk during last night’s meeting at the Southwick Town Hall. Selectman Russ Fox, center, will assume the role of chairman and newly elected Joe Deedy, right, will assume the vice-chairman position of the board. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen broke tradition last night during its post-election reorganization.
After electing Russell Fox chairman, he spoke about keeping Selectwoman Tracy Cesan the clerk rather than nominating her vice chairman.
Fox cited conflicts of interest because of Cesan’s full-time position as administrative assistant to the fire chief, something he spoke to Cesan about prior to the meeting.
Newly elected selectman Joseph Deedy then nominated himself vice chairman.
Cesan called for discussion and asked Deedy how Fox presented the atypical nomination to him before the meeting.
“My understanding is it goes back to the fire department,” said Deedy.
“I possibly thought there could be a possibility of a conflict,” Fox told Cesan. “It’s no slight against you.”
Cesan argued that her employment with the town was no more of a conflict than affiliations Fox and Deedy have in town.
Deedy said he is not providing towing services in order to eliminate that conflict.
“Your brother-in-law runs Parks and Recreation.” Cesan said to Deedy. “You own a restaurant and there are issues you might have with the health department. You have more conflicts than I do.”
Cesan said Fox, as a member of the board of the Southwick Recreation Center, has a conflict given current issues regarding a water connection to Whalley Park.
Cesan said having spent a year as clerk, it is her place to take the vice chair.
“It is my time,” she said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Deedy maintained his motion nominating himself, which was seconded by Fox.
Audience members Jack Sinico and Pat Ayotte spoke against the move during public speaking time.
“What you guys pulled here is bull****,” said Sinico.
Ayotte suggested the discussions prior to the meeting were possibly illegal.
“It seems somebody already lead you to do something that may not be legal, or at least ethical,” Ayotte said.
