Petition Irregularities

Were Not ‘Minor Technicalities’

To the Editor:

It is the sole responsibility of the town clerk and staff to ensure that all elections are conducted legally according to state law. No one is exempt from these laws. It is my duty to administer these laws impartially, free from any personal or partisan considerations. I take that duty very seriously.

I requested an investigation by the State Elections Enforcement Commission into what appeared to me to be facial irregularities in nominating petitions that had been circulated by the NICE Party. The commission then confirmed some of the irregularities, ultimately resulting in a fine and the withdrawal of some candidacies. These irregularities were not, in my opinion, “minor technicalities” as Mr Piesner has asserted; they are very serious and could have resulted in greater penalties. More importantly, these “minor technicalities” compromised the election process in Newtown and that is not acceptable.

While Connecticut Freedom of Information laws require disclosure, upon request, of public records such as my communications with the commission, at no time did any member of my office publicize the names of the people associated with the perceived irregularities. Indeed, to my knowledge those names were not released in print or public forum until last week when Legislative Council member Doug Brennan chose to share at a well attended council meeting the fact that he was one of the people associated with the matter being investigated.

I find it interesting that I recently have been accused of going to “extra lengths” in an attempt to invalidate these petitions when earlier Mr Piesner himself, after submitting the petitions, complimented my office’s professionalism and courtesies. I suppose the letter of praise he mentioned he would be writing will no longer be forthcoming.

I encourage the candidates who chose to withdraw to stay involved in town matters and participate in future elections. The town clerk’s office remains committed to working with all citizens in a professional and non-partisan manner and will always strive to go to “extra lengths” in the performance of all its duties.

Cynthia Curtis Simon

Town Clerk

                                              September 11, 2001