Claiming Nepotism, Oxford Resident Lodges Ethics Complaint

Disturbed by what she considers nepotism, an Oxford resident has filed an ethics complaint claiming there was a conflict of interest when the town hired the son of the Department of Public Works.

The resident, Ann Krane, names First Selectman George Temple, the Board of Selectmen and the Director of Public Works, Wayne Watt, in her complaint.

"The hiring of a family member to work under the supervision of a parent creates a potentially risky relationship in the management of that department," Krane states in a press release. "This hiring had to have the approval of the Director of the department, the First Selectman and the subsequent approval of the Board of Selectmen." 

The Board of Selectmen did approve the hiring at its meeting on Dec. 18, 2013. According to meeting minutes, Derek Watt was hired as a full-time Public Works employee at a pay rate of $21.12 per hour. 

The vote was two in favor and one recusal. The minutes did not state who recused them self from the vote, and that information was not immediately available.

During discussion of the hiring, First Selectman George Temple said he has known Watt for quite some time. Watt was employed part-time for the Public Works Department and has his CDL license, the minutes state. 

"He is a terrific employee already and is a real good choice," Temple said at the meeting. 

Selectman Jeff Haney questioned if this was a new position, and it was noted that an employee had retired so this is a replacement. It was also noted that the starting rate is at 20% less than the highest step.

Krane, who is the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee but filed the petition as a resident, said, "This action is more familiarly known as nepotism and it is disturbing to see this happening in the Town of Oxford as it reflects badly on the integrity of the Town.”

She has requested a complete examination of this hiring as it relates to the Code of Ethics.

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