UPDATE:
Gary Murphy announced his resignation as a Montville Town Councilor at the end of tonight's meeting. Murphy, Oakdale Fire Chief and corrections officer, said his doctor told him to leave the council. He did not elaborate on what illness or condition he is suffering from.
And within a few minutes of that announcement, the council voted to appoint former Montville Mayor Democrat Joe Jaskiewicz to replace Murphy.
"I just want to thank you for hanging in there," Council president Candy Buebendorf said to Murphy. She went on to explain that Murphy had "given us a heads-up so we could find a replacement that would do a good job."
Two people in the audience said there were other Democrats that would have been interested in serving. And one resident, Jim Andriote, said Murphy and the council handled the situation badly and should have opened the position up to other interested individuals.
“I hope the press gives it to you for this,” Andriote said.
Jaskiewicz was not in attendance at the meeting. There was audible consternation and groans from residents seated in the chambers when it was announced that the panel would appoint a new councilor then and there.
Councilor Billy Caron said Murphy has "served us well with quality and dignity." And Councilor Chuck Longton said he has tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to "model my behavior after (Murphy)."
This was not the only surprise from the council Monday night. Check back with Montville Patch in the morning for that story.
Original Story:
After serving as a member of the Town Council since 2007, Councilor Gary Murphy announced Monday night that he is resigning from his position.
Citing health reasons, Murphy, a Montville High School graduate and longtime chief of the Oakdale Fire Company, said it was time to step down.
The council accepted his decision at its meeting Monday night.
In his place will come a familiar face; soon after Murphy shared his decision, the council appointed former mayor Joseph Jaskiewicz.
Jaskiewicz has been part of town government for more than two decades, most recently serving as mayor, and prior to that as a member of the council, including acting as the council president.
Check back to Montville Patch for more information as it becomes available.
