Where is the Accountability? Where is the Oversight?

Last week’s Town Council meeting made one thing clear: Stratford residents are still not getting answers.

Mayor Hoydick was pressed again about the trespassing arrest related to Town Hall. The questions were simple: how did this individual gain access, how long did they have access, and what areas of the building were open to him? But instead of answers, the public got deflection.

The mayor refused to answer, citing “an ongoing investigation.” The town attorney went further, blocking even general discussion about Town Hall security. But this isn’t just about one case. This is about oversight, responsibility, and trust.

That became apparent to all in a moment that silenced the chamber – Councilor Green read into the record an April 29, 2025, email from Jim Simon, the Democratic Registrar of Voters to his Republican counterpart, Lou DeCilio. That email described finding a man – the same individual later arrested – sleeping in the ROV Supply Room. He said he had been let in by Mr. DeCilio. He was told to leave immediately, and the matter was reported by Mr. Simon to prevent a repeat. There has been no denial of providing the key.

Yet, months later, this same person was still accessing Town Hall.

That is not a misunderstanding. That is a breakdown of security and oversight at the highest levels of our local government.

Now, as early voting has commenced once again, Stratford residents deserve answers to basic questions:

• Why was this individual given a key to Town Hall, and where is that key now?

• How long was he staying there, and who knew?

• Why haven’t Town Hall security tapes been reviewed or released?

• Why didn’t the building’s security systems detect his movements?

• Why were Freedom of Information requests ignored?

A public official, who also serves as the Republican Town Committee Chair, appears to have given unauthorized access to Town Hall. Either the Mayor knew and is denying how much she knew, or she didn’t know what was happening under her own roof.

Both possibilities are unacceptable.

Residents deserve leadership that values truth over protection, accountability over loyalty, and public trust over political convenience. Stratford deserves better and that’s what we’re fighting for.