Last month, I posted a story about Mansion Clam House. Owner Soozi Folsom had cut through months of red tape, mowing unkempt grass on a state-owned strip between her popular seafood restaurant, and nearby Bridge Street.
“06880” readers praised Soozi for her initiative, and promised to head to Mansion for meals.
Yesterday, news broke that Soozi pleaded guilty to embezzling $1.3 million, over 3 years, from 3 foundations. In addition to owning the restaurant, she worked as an office manager at a Westport accounting firm.
Immediately, readers commented on my month-old post.
Mansion Clam House
“Jobo” asked: “Is this the same Soozi Folsom who stole $1.3 million from charities? Shame on yoo, and your ridiculous name, Soozi.”
“Sick of Hippocrates” — who may actually have been sick of “hypocrites” — presumably referred to me when he or she wrote:
Nice article which once again shows how some individuals in Westport have poor judgement and support people who are not morally or ethically sound. Soozi Folsom is an embezzler but you assumed she was great because Why????? Poor judgement on your part, once again…thats why.
And “Shun” vowed not to eat at Mansion Clam House: “Embezzling all that money, she no longer needs my business at the Mansion!”
I’m not sure that the way Soozi spells her name is relevant.
I don’t know how I — or anyone else — could have known she was embezzling money when we praised her restaurant for providing a public service.
But I do know that not eating at Mansion is not the best way to express disappointment and disgust. All it will do is hurt the innocent men and women who work there — and who no doubt share most Westporters’ sadness at yesterday’s news.