Editor's Note: This article corrects the number of the state statute. 

Stonington - A member of the Charter Revision Commission has filed a complaint with the state Elections Enforcement Commission challenging the appointment of unaffiliated voter Mike Spellman to the Board of Selectmen.

During a Board of Selectmen's meeting Wednesday night, Ashley Gillece pointed out to the board that Connecticut General Statutes 9-59 states that anyone who changes political parties or has their name removed from the enrollment list of a party shall not be entitled to be appointed as a member of any board or commission that is political in nature or be appointed as a member of any board or commission that is political in nature for a period of three months after filing the application to leave a party or transfer to another party.

Spellman left the Republican party and became an unaffiliated voter the day before Democratic First Selectman George Crouse and Republican Selectman Rob Simmons appointed him to fill a vacancy on the board last month.

That vacancy was created when Crouse, who was a selectman, was appointed to complete the unexpired term of former first selectman Ed Haberek, who resigned in December.

The three have said the board's "tripartisan" makeup would allow the board to work more effectively.

Gillece told the board that Spellman should not be participating in its decisions because of the three-month requirement. She said the state elections enforcement commission is slated to hold a hearing on her complaint next Tuesday.

After the meeting, Spellman said he was duly appointed to the board and would reserve the right to comment further at a later date.

Both he and Crouse said they have consulted with Town Attorney Tom Londregan, who advised the board to continue operating with Spellman.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas