Ethics and Partisanship Cloud Finance Debate

The recent decisions pertaining to by Weston’s town attorney and the Board of Ethics caused a partisan rift during the candidates’ debate, held on Saturday at .

The League of Women Voters sponsored and moderated the event, where the five candidates for four positions on the finance board — Republicans Michael Carter, Jerry Sargent and Finkel and Democrats Steve Ezzes and Larry Skor — each spoke. Each candidate had an opportunity to read personal statements as well as answer questions posed by the moderator.

Question of Ethics Conflict

Finkel, a professional cost consultant and Republican, said he completed work for Weston Public Schools recently. The schools, however, are still paying for the work, because of a “client-friendly payment plan,” according to Finkel.

“It’s no more than an advisory opinion and they can’t [stop] me from running,” Finkel said, calling the issue a “distraction.”

“I have agreed to forego any fees or future business after I’m elected,” he added, after noting that both decisions were based on “untruths.”

, Finkel indicated that Democrats Barbara Reynolds, chairman of Weston’s Democratic Town Committee, and Michael O’Brien, current chairman of the finance board, asked for the advisory opinions.

Earlier this month, the Board of Ethics issued an advisory opinion stating they indeed felt there existed a conflict.

"As long as there is a business relationship between Mr. Finkel, his business, and/or his parent company and the Town of Weston, we find that a conflict of interest exists were he to serve on the Board of Finance," the ethics board stated. "And further, were he to serve on the Board of Finance, without a complete termination and divestment of interests, as the town deems appropriate, of any direct or indirect business relationship between himself, his business associations and the Board of Education or any town board or agencies, any transaction he may be involved in whilst serving, would be voidable and could result in dismissal, removal from office, and/or civil/criminal prosecution" pursuant to the town charter.

Furthermore, a memo from Town Attorney Patricia Sullivan sent to the town states that "although the analysis is fact-dependent and the governing law is murky, it appears the candidate's behavior arguably creates a conflict of interest under municipal law, but not under Connecticut statutory or state law."

Both of Finkel's fellow Republicans support his candidacy.

“I’ve studied this a lot and I have a high degree of respect” for the ethics commission, said Sargent.

“The important point is that the conflict does not exist if he gets elected,” he continued. “If you believe David is a man of integrity, then you have to believe that the conflict does not exist.”

“I would say unequivocally that he does not” have a conflict, said Carter. “It’s just blown way, way out of proportion.”

The Democratic candidates both felt strongly that the finance board would not be able to function effectively were Finkel elected.

“We will have an even number of members that will be able to vote on Board of Education matters,” said Ezzes, opining that Finkel would be forced to recuse himself.

“Two independent bodies have determined that a violation would exist,” he added, and wondered later if Finkel’s work with other towns would affect his potential role on the board.

“One of the most important things is independence,” said Skor, an accounting professional, who encouraged listeners to “read the opinions and decide for yourselves.

“You have to make sure that you’re acting in the town’s best interest and not your own,” Skor said.

Taxpayer Dollar Investments

The candidates also disagreed regarding the need for independent investment advisory services.

Each candidate, with the exception of Finkel, concurred that the benefits of securing outside advisement on investment matters is a judicious course of action.

“The board already has a number of qualified investment minds, [but] it’s always good to get another opinion,” said Skor. “For fees, pay what’s fair and what the market bears.”

Carter and Sargent agreed.

“Yes, we should, we do, and we do it on a pay for performance basis,” Sargent said. “The level of investments that we have to do as a town surpasses what we are able to do as a board.”

Sargent also said that hiring an advisor “removes the emotion” from the decision-making process.

Finkel disagreed.

“I’ll be that guy,” he said. “We won’t have to hire anyone. I can provide these services for free.”

Property Tax Assessment

Despite these differences, the candidates shared similar views on a wide range of topics, from the continued need for an annual town budget meeting to the usage of the general fund to real estate property tax reassessment.

Every candidate expressed a desire to continue the town budget meeting, currently up for review by Weston’s Charter Revision Committee, but also dismay that more voters don’t participate in the electoral process.

“It’s dispiriting when we meet [and] there are two people in the audience, and they’re presenting,” said Sargent. “At its core, it’s not very democratic.”

Finkel observed that it’s “incumbent upon [the boards] to simplify the communication of the budget.

“There is an incredible amount of comparable data, and we don’t compare favorably,” Finkel added. “Maybe other towns are doing things right that we’re not aware of. Let’s make intelligent decisions.”

The candidates also agreed that the town’s general fund, a subject of some controversy by those who would like to see the fund’s $3 million balance used for a range of purposes, should remain intact.

“It’s critical that we give the market comfort” that Weston can meet its obligations, said Skor.

“I view the fund as the rainy day fund,” said Ezzes. “We can take the fund to zero if necessary. At its current level, it’s perceived as fiscally responsible and sound.”

Sargent noted that although some residents question if the town isn’t “taxing in advance,” he believes the fund’s 12 percent balance is enough to maintain Weston’s Aaa rating with Moody’s.

Moody’s is currently reviewing the bond rating of every town in Connecticut; there is some risk that the town’s bond rating may fall after the review is completed.

The overriding theme from each candidate was how to keep taxes flat while continuing to maintain the schools and services to which Weston’s residents have become accustomed.

The candidates, including Finkel, were careful to note the contributions of the others, while expressing gratitude for each other’s expertise.

“This is a collegial board,” Ezzes said. “We can do a lot of different things with this group.”

Finkel ended by saying that “moving here was the best decision I ever made, other than marrying my wife.

“But we are at a crossroads,” he continued. “I want to make a personal sacrifice and help the town. I’m good with money, and good with people.”