The Southbury Ethics Commission has issued an advisory opinion regarding a potential conflict of interest involving newly elected Selectwoman Cathy De Carli, stemming from a family member’s involvement as a paid teacher of Taekwon-Do classes at the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The advisory opinion, case no. 25-002a, was written and signed by Ethics Commission Chair Joe Ruggiero on January 15, 2026, following a request from De Carli 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.
The advisory opinion recommends that since De Carli is not personally acting as the instructor for the class, it is “reasonable that [the instructor] continue to act in these roles going forward.”
The Ethics Commission further advises that De Carli should recuse herself from any votes that may directly affect the existence and funding of the particular program, should it ever surface at a board meeting or during town budget discussions.
The Taekwon-do program is one of the longest-running programs in the town’s Park and Recreation Department, offering four sessions per year.
The Southbury Record 