Published Newstimes: 05:23 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2010
The assistant director of the Park and Recreation Department was found to have embezzled at least $50,000 of municipal funds. Her letter of resignation effective Jan. 22, 2010 was forwarded to First Selectman John Hodge on Jan. 19, 2010.
A settlement agreement that was drawn up was approved by the Board of Selectmen in the secrecy of executive session meetings. The following is a quote from page one of the agreement.
"WHEREAS, in restitution for Barbara Coelho's wrongful actions, the Coehlos have offered to pay the Town of New Fairfield the sum of $50,000 to settle all claims and charges the Town has or may have against Barbara Coelho arising out of her employment and the Town of New Fairfield has agreed to accept such sum as restitution."
The agreement also includes an article that commits the town to confidentiality.
The terms of this settlement agreement amount to nothing more than a blanket cover-up of the felony act of embezzlement perpetrated by a town employee.
Our first selectman, who is also the administrative chief of police, is not only supposed to uphold the laws, he must also enforce the laws that govern this municipality. Instead of enforcing the laws, he chose to cover up the embezzlement with full confidentiality.
The town carries a bond insurance policy that would have covered such a theft. Had a claim been filed, the Travelers Insurance would have taken over the case with no expense to the town. In this particular case the insurance company would have covered all but a small deductible of $250.00.
Never have I seen a Board of Selectmen display such disregard for the welfare of the people they are supposed to be representing. Never have I seen such disregard for the laws they took an oath to uphold.
Art Azzarito
NEW FAIRFIELD
