'Concerned Residents' Want Ethics Board to Investigate Tinsley

More than 150 residents have signed a petition asking the town's Board of Ethics to investigate whether it's a violation of Town Charter for Bill Tinsley to hold the town's highest elected position.

The petition comes a day after news broke that Tinsley, who was elected First Selectman in Tuesday's municipal election, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Vermont for allegedly stealing from a liquor store he worked at last year.

Tinsley, a Republican who secured the party's backing in July, beat Democrat Howard Lasser by 90 votes.

The charges against Tinsley date back to March, and questions remain as to why they were not disclosed prior to Election Day — and who, if anyone besides Tinsley, knew of them.

'Call to Action'

In a petition started on change.org, a 'Concerned Citizen" writes:

"I am writing to ask the Ethics commission to investigate the charges which have now become public regarding our First Selectman elect and whether he is currently or if his accepting the position of First selectman would be in violation of our Charter."

The petition organizer goes on to write:

"Our Town Charter states 'All officials and employees of the Town shall carry out their duties with the highest ethical standards regardless of personal considerations. Their conduct shall at all times be for the public good and within the bounds of law,' Certainly someone running for public office who does not disclose serious pending charges that may reflect on his ability to act in a proper way concerning taxpayer funds has some questionable ethical behavior lower than 'the highest' standards."

The petition also references Section 10-4 B of the Town Charter, which states:

“Any willful violation of the dictates of law, of this Charter, or of the Town Code of Ethics Ordinances shall be reason for the removal of any elected or appointed official, or any employee of the Town.” 

"It may be premature as Mr. Tinsley has yet to be convicted, but if he pleads to a lesser charge would he still be in violation of this section? Our Town deserves a full accounting and we are asking you to be the agent on our behalf," the Concerned Citizens writes.

The petition is addressed to Board of Ethics Chairman Alice Carolan.

The Board of Ethics usually responds to complaints; however, if Tinsley is convicted of the charges, the Board would initiate proceedings, Carolan told Patch Friday evening.

Tinsley, who maintains his innocence despite what the investigating officer has characterized as a "crystal clear" case of embezzlement, said he plans on entering a "no contest" plea when he appears in court on Nov. 26.

In comments on Patch, several residents have called for Tinsley to step down. As of 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, the petition has 171 signatures.