Construction Firm: Tim Herbst Targeted, Wrongfully Accused AFB

First Selectman Tim Herbst stands accused of shooting down a potential contract between AFB Management and Trumbull Loves Children Inc. and trying to defame AFB.

AFB Management, which has worked with the town for years, also claims Herbst has tried, for reasons unknown, "to diminish the reputation of AFB and [one of the principals] Al Barbarotta in the Trumbull community and elsewhere."

Herbst deferred comment to Attorney Dennis J. Kokenos of Owens, Schine and Nicola of Trumbull.

Kokenos said the claims are "frivolous" because Herbst is trying to enforce the town's code of ethics, adding that it harasses town officials.

"The lawsuit filed by AFB Construction Management fundamentally seeks to punish Town Officials who abide by, enforce and defend the Trumbull Town Charter and Code of Ethics. Town officials have a duty and obligation to see that the Town Charter and Code of Ethics are properly adhered to," Kokenos said.

The allegations also come at a time when the Town's Internal Auditor is investigating AFB on a "myriad of issues," Kokenos said.

AFB says it was poised to help build an addition to a TLC facility near Daniels Farm School when Herbst intervened and TLC withdrew from negotiations.

"Herbst expressly threatened TLC that unless TLC broke off its prospective contract with AFB, Herbst would terminate TLC's contracts with the Town and/or the [School] Board," AFB said. "Herbst's actions were malicious and were actuated by an improper motive, namely, his animus toward, and desire to harm, the business of AFB and its principal, Barbarotta."

AFB seeks unspecified damages.