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

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less