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EASTON, Conn. Eastonite Paul Lindoerfer has been named the newest member of the Board of Finance, but his appointment comes with a stipulation: having the Board of Ethics look into his involvement as a substitute teacher.
The potential conflict came to light in December after resident Dori Wollen told the Board of Selectmen that she felt his appointment could represent a conflict of interest because he currently works part-time as a subsitute teahcer in Easton. Wollen said she felt it was a conflict to have a paid member of the school system serving on a town board.
The Board of Finance plays a major role in almost all financial requests in town. Lindoerfer said he subs a few times a month at Helen Keller Middle School and earns $85 each day that he works.
The selectmen thought the complaint by Wollen was valid and decided, with Lindoerfers consent, to getto make an advisory opinion from ethics board on the matter. Lindoerfer told the selectmen that if ethics board finds a conflict he will remove his name from the substitute list .
First Selectman Thomas Herrmann didnt say at the meeting if he felt Wollens complaint was valid. He did say that he believes ithe matter that should be discussed o remove any question of impropriety.
I absolutely feel this is in the best interest of the town, Herrmann said.
Herrmann said he wasnt sure when the ethics board would begin looking into the matter but said Friday that he expected them to begin as soon as possible.
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