Politics & Government

Residents Call for First Selectman to Resign After Taking Oath

Residents speak out during the first public comment session for the new Board of Selectmen.

Thirteen Brookfield residents took the opportunity to speak during the public comment section of Monday’s first meeting of the new Board of Selectmen (BOS), all of them in reference to charges lodged in Vermont against newly elected First Selectman Bill Tinsley.

Tinsley pleaded ‘no contest’ to a larceny charge on Nov. 26 and received an 11-month deferral of sentencing, at which time his record will be expunged. (A felony embezzlement charge was dropped as part of the deal.)

He has called the charges “frivolous” on several occasions and maintains he is innocent of the allegations.

Four of the speakers urged the town to unite behind the new board and move forward, however the majority called for Tinsley to step down, citing a lack of trust in the community.

Many also stated that they believe the Democratic challenger for First Selectman, Howard Lasser, would have won the race had news of the charges surfaced before Election Day.
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Tinsley delivers introductory message after swearing in.
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Tinsley and the two Selectmen — Marty Flynn and Bill Davidson — sat quietly throughout and did not address any of the statements after public comment or during the regular meeting.


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