Some East Windsor Housing Authority Officials Question Recent Appointment to Their Board

East Windsor Housing Authority officials and Park Hill residents Tuesday questioned whether the appointment of a town employee to their commission by selectmen is legal.

On December 6, the board of selectmen appointed Elizabeth Burns, who heads the town’s human services department and is also an East Windsor resident.

Pauline LaGasse, chairwoman of the housing authority commission, said Burns’ appointment presents possible conflicts of interest because she is paid by the town.

Housing Authority Executive Director Jennifer B. DiMauro told selectmen the appointment violates state statutes because Burns is a public official. DiMauro said because in her capacity as human services director Burns may have clients who are Park Hill residents that the commission may be taking action against.

“Where’s her allegiance going to be,” DiMauro said.

DiMauro presented a letter from the authority’s attorney Elliot J. Lane citing the state statute about public officials not being housing authority commissioners and asking the town attorney to make a final determination.

But board of selectmen members said they fail to see where there is a conflict of interest for Burns.  Selectman Alan Baker said his interpretation of the statute is for elected officials not town employees.

Baker said he thinks Burns is uniquely qualified to be a member of the housing authority commission.

Burns, who was at Tuesday’s meeting, said that she would abide by any decision made by the town attorney.

Selectman James Richards said the town has a problem filling spots on boards and commissions. Richards said Burns has served the town well and she put her name up for being on the commission when no one else had.

Richards said housing authority officials are now asking the board of selectmen to spend money for an opinion from the town attorney to determine of she can be on the commission.

First Selectwoman Denise Menard said the letter from the housing authority’s attorney doesn’t say that the appointment violates any statute.

“We’ll stand by our decision unless your attorney tells us otherwise,” Menard said.

Baker said he felt there was more of  a reason the authority officials are opposing Burns. DiMauro said during the aftermath of the October 29 snowstorm the housing authority acted as a shelter for the town’s elderly and Burns, the town’s municipal agent for the elderly didn’t help them.

“Not once did I hear from the municipal agent,” DiMauro said.

She also said that Park Hill residents who qualified for holiday baskets during Thanksgiving were unable to get them from the human services department because they were told there wasn’t enough. The housing authority had to get donations from other entities, DiMauro said.

Burns said some people in Park Hill did get holiday baskets for Thanksgiving and some didn’t. Some will be getting the baskets for Christmas as well, she said.

Menard said if the housing authority gets a stronger opinion from its attorney, the board will reconsider the issue.

“Please be respectful and let her sit on the appointment,” Menard said.