Should applicants for liquor licenses and other licenses issued by Selectmen be required to submit to criminal records checks?

The question was discussed by Selectmen on Tuesday, with no agreement and no vote taken.

Chairman Patrick Tropeano was in favor of vetting applicants with Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks.

“One of the criteria of licenses is that the applicant is of good character. Well how do we know the person is of good character? We don't,” he said.

Selectman Peter Teitelbaum disagreed.

“I don't see the need to get involved in this. I think it presupposes that we've got a criminal problem in town -- that we've got to keep criminals out of business,” Teitelbaum said.

He added: “I am of the belief that if you are convicted of a crime, serve your time, and come out you should be a free citizen to participate in the society as you wish, I don't think it makes sense to tar people for any length of time going forward.”

Town Counsel Richard Bowen advised that, if the Board were to adopt criminal background checks, all members of the Board should first be CORI check certified to facilitate the transfer of information.