The Southbury Ethics Commission has issued an advisory opinion regarding a potential conflict of interest involving newly elected Selectwoman Kelly Keenan, stemming from her role as a part-time teacher of art classes for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department and her leadership of a local arts nonprofit.
The advisory opinion, case no. 25-001a, was written and signed by Ethics Commission Chair Joe Ruggiero on December 10, 2025, following a request from Keenan herself.
Advisory opinions are non-binding guidance issued at the request of a town official seeking clarity on ethical obligations. They are not findings of wrongdoing or enforcement actions.
For several years, Keenan has taught well-attended art classes and received modest per-class compensation.
In its opinion, the Ethics Commission advised Keenan not to accept any remuneration for two previously scheduled art classes she planned to teach this month at the Parks and Rec building. The opinion also recommended that she discontinue teaching any additional classes for the remainder of her tenure on the Board of Selectmen.
Disclosure of her contractual teaching relationship with the town is still required, according to the Ethics Commission. That disclosure is expected to be added to the minutes and official record of the Thursday, December 18 meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
In a letter dated December 6, Keenan formally disclosed her roles as both a part-time teacher of art classes and the President of the nonprofit Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance (SACA).
“In keeping with the Town of Southbury’s Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I previously worked as a paid art instructor for Southbury Parks and Recreation,” Keenan wrote, noting that she had scheduled four classes earlier this year: October 12, November 11, December 14, and December 21.
“To avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest,” she continued, “I will be teaching my two previously scheduled December classes at no charge and will not take on any further classes during my time on the Board of Selectmen.”
She also stated that she would recuse herself from any Board of Selectmen votes involving SACA or that could benefit the organization.
SACA was originally formed in 2022 as a subcommittee of the town’s Economic Development Commission. With its nonprofit designation finalized earlier this year, new funding opportunities, such as pursuing grants, sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations, will aid in its mission to enrich the town’s cultural landscape.
The commission met on Thursday, December 4, to consider the request for an Advisory Opinion from Keenan, and then met at a special meeting on Wednesday, December 10, to accept a third and final draft of the signed language. The Ethics Commission meets regularly each calendar quarter and also meets when necessary to review and investigate complaints brought before it.
The Southbury Record 