Town Clerk sues North Canaan for legal costs

Town Clerk sues North Canaan for legal costs

North Canaan Town Hall.

Photo by Riley Klein.

NORTH CANAAN — Earlier this year, First Selectman Brian Ohler submitted a complaint to the Connecticut Attorney General regarding alleged misconduct by Town Clerk Jean Jacquier. After months of legal back-and-forth, Jacquier filed a lawsuit in August against the Town of North Canaan for $15,000 to cover legal fees.

Jacquier has served in Town Hall more than 30 years, first joining as assistant town clerk in 1993 and becoming elected to the position in 2017.

Ohler’s initial complaint in January cited “illegal and unethical” actions by Jacquier, including “placing official campaign solicitation material on the official town clerk board within Town Hall while serving in such a role.” The complaint stated Jacquier has left Town Hall for up to two hours with the vault and sensitive material unsecured.

The complaint stated, “This act is a willful abandonment of vital town records. Jean has also failed to file and fine candidates for their lack of timely submissions. Jean slandered a staff member with hellacious names, spoken to me and sent via text to the second selectman.”

Later in May, Ohler added to his filing that excessive material was being shredded and he questioned the content of those documents.

Jacquier has denied these accusations, aside from the campaign material posted to the town board, which she said was removed after the issue was raised.

“Someone has been feeding him information prior to the time Brian took office,” said Jacquier, citing a complaint to the Attorney General that was dated Oct. 1, 2023 (Ohler was elected in November 2023).

Ohler stated several of the complaints against Jacquier were filed before he took office in North Canaan.

In a meeting of the Board of Selectmen Sept. 3, Selectman Jesse Bunce said Jacquier requested financial assistance from the town to cover legal fees several months ago. Bunce requested an executive session to discuss with his fellow selectmen, which was denied on the advice of the town’s attorney, per Ohler.

“I would also like to remind everyone that Jeannie was voted into her position by the taxpayers. That is where this should be settled: in the voting box,” said Bunce.

Ohler noted all three selectmen were advised by town counsel and the Attorney General that there is a confidentiality clause surrounding the investigation.

“The whole board is mentioned in the lawsuit. We do not discuss it,” said Ohler. “When the Attorney General releases the information you will all be made aware of it.”

On why the matter was issued to the Attorney General, Ohler said, “When I receive allegations I have an obligation to the town to do what’s right legally, ethically, and morally,” which, he added, includes forwarding complaints to the appropriate authority.

The findings of both the suit and the complaint are still pending.

Latest News

Alfred Lyon Ivry

Alfred Lyon Ivry

SALISBURY — Alfred Lyon Ivry, a long-time resident of Salisbury, and son of Belle (Malamud) and Morris Ivry, died in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Feb. 12 at the age of 91, surrounded by family members. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was a graduate ofAbraham Lincoln High School and Brooklyn College, where he earned a B.A. in English literature and Philosophy and served as drama critic for the school paper.

Alfred earned a PhD in Medieval Jewish Philosophy from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1963 and in 1971 was awarded a D. Phil in Medieval Islamic Philosophy from Oxford University, Linacre College.

Keep ReadingShow less

Alice Gustafson

Alice Gustafson

LAKEVILLE — Alice Gustafson (née Luchs), 106, of Lakeville, Connecticut, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born in Chicago on Dec. 15, 1919, Alice was raised between New York City, Florida and Lime Rock, where she graduated from Salisbury High School in 1937.

Alice’s career spanned roles at Conover-Mast Publications in New York City, The Lakeville Journal, the Interlaken Inn, and as a secretary to the past president of Smith College. In 1948, she married Herbert “Captain Gus” Gustafson at Trinity Church in Lime Rock.

Keep ReadingShow less

Larry Power

Larry Power

LAKEVILLE — Larry Power passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026.

Larry was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City in 1939.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Carol Hoffman Matzke

Carol Hoffman Matzke

KENT — Carol L. Hoffman Matzke passed away peacefully with family by her side on Feb. 22, 2026.

She was a beloved mother and stepmother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, community member, and friend.Her presence will be deeply missed. She had a beautiful way of loving, accepting, and supporting all the many members of her vast family, and of welcoming others into her family circle. She was intelligent and well-informed about history and current events, and she took a genuine interest in knowing and understanding everyone she met, from friends and family right down to the stranger who stood next to her in line at the grocery store. Kind and generous, her family and friends knew that she would do anything in her power to help and support them.

Keep ReadingShow less

In remembrance: Grace E. Golden

In remembrance:
Grace E. Golden

As we reflect on the first year of our mom’s passing we can be grateful to God for having the best mother and grandmother of all.

We miss you every day and still struggle with your loss.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cornwall signs contract for new fire trucks

From left, is First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Dick Sears and CVFD Chief Will Russ signed the contract for two new fire trucks March 3.

Provided

CORNWALL — Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department and the Board of Selectmen signed the contract for two new fire trucks Tuesday, March 3.

The custom rescue pumper and mini pumper will be manufactured by Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.