To the editor,
Being the small town Beacon Falls is, there is considerable potential for conflicts of interest to arise with those who are hired to consult on behalf of the town. Some of the key influencers and advisers to the town, including the town engineer and various attorneys, are hired at will with no contract in place. Without a contract, there is a certain level of accountability and transparency that is lost. To further muddy the waters, the consulting individuals have been known to donate to political campaigns in the town. This leaves one to wonder if they are buying favor when it comes to being selected for their consulting services considering the first selectman appoints these positions. Requiring contracts for these services would provide more clarity for the town and reduce conflicts of interest.
During the last Beacon Falls municipal election, donations were made to the Democratic Town Committee from several of such individuals. For example, Beacon Falls Town Engineer James Galligan of Nafis & Young donated $500 out of his own pocket during the 2017 town election period. Welch, Teodosio, Stanek, & Blake, LLC, which is the firm the municipal attorney Fred Stanek works for, spent $250 to advertise with the DTC. Byrne & Byrne, LLC, the firm of attorney Steven Byrne, who represents the town for land use matters, spent $200 to advertise with the DTC. Furthermore, Nafis & Young spent $250 to advertise with the DTC.
Kevin McDuffie serves as the Beacon Falls Planning and Zoning Commission chairman and most recently ran for a state House seat during the 2018 Connecticut election. Attorney Steven Byrne and his wife Sharon donated $10 to McDuffie’s campaign. Even though this is petty cash, the fact Byrne donated to McDuffie raises concern.
By requiring a regular bid process and contracts to be put in place, we can safeguard the town’s financial interests, ensuring clear scopes of work with fair and understood rates or fees.
Shawn Styfco
Beacon Falls
The writer is a member of the Beacon Falls Republican Town Committee.
