Mark Thompson, the chairman of the Board of Finance in Seymour, stepped down from the post Tuesday, citing what he believes are “serious transgressions that have occurred over the past six months” and a Freedom of Information policy recently enacted in town.
Thompson’s statement to the Board of Finance can be viewed at 59 minutes on this video provided by Seymour resident Frank Loda.
Thompson said he has lost “almost all confidence our leaders and advisers are capable of making appropriate decisions.”
He said “the straw that broke the camel’s back” was the FOI response policy the town enacted in 2010, and the handling of an FOI complaint against Thompson.
Thompson said three months went by before town staff notified him that an FOI complaint had been lodged against the commission.
The town issued the FOI response policy after issues with an FOI request filed with the Board of Finance. Thompson has been a vocal opponent of the policy, saying it puts undue burden on volunteers to respond to FOI requests.
First Selectman Paul Roy said the policy clarifies the process of responding to requests to help prevent complaints and get information to citizens. Roy said the policy, which became effect Oct. 7, has been working.
As to Thompson’s complaints about alleged “transgressions” at town hall, Roy said he wasn’t sure what exactly Thompson was referring to.
