RTC Clarifies the Board of Ethics Decision on BOE Candidate Paradiso

The Ridgefield Board of Ethics reviewed two complaints regarding the conflict of interest with Jonathan Paradiso’s Board of Education candidacy.

Their dismissal of the complaints was based “entirely on jurisdictional and procedural grounds“ as the filings did not refer to a specific article in the town charter and because Paradiso is currently a candidate as opposed to an already elected official.

Let’s be clear, the Board of Ethics did not say there would be no future conflict of interest should Paradiso be elected and his wife remain a teacher in the district. They simply were unable to currently demonstrate a conflict since Paradiso is still a candidate whose win is uncertain.

The decision doesn’t change the fact that Paradiso will need to recuse himself from many key votes including the critical school budget vote. His inability to fully participate in decision-making and voting means that Paradiso will have a limited role and voice. Our children are better served by a board member who is able to participate in all matters not one with a limited function. It’s time to put the interests of our children first.

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