Politics & Government

UPDATE: New Council, Mayor Sworn In [VIDEO]

Friends and family pack council chamber for the occasion

"In my 35 years (attending council meetings in Montville)," Montville Police Lt. Leonard Bunnell said Monday, "I’ve never seen that many people show up to a ceremony like this. Ever."

Indeed, the Town Council chamber was packed to overflowing for the swearing-in Monday of the new town council and the new mayor, Ron McDaniel.

Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz attended the ceremony perform the swearing-in of the council and the mayor.

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Before starting the process, she thanked former Mayor Joe Jaskiewicz for his years of service to the town, and for helping her decide to run for office. Jaskiewicz received a long and loud standing ovation from the crowd.

Bysiewicz also thanked the families of the newly elected councilors and mayor, who received a standing ovation. She thanked veterans in attendance for their service to the town, and asked them to stand; they received a standing ovation, as well.

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Candy Buebendorf - who started the meeting sitting in the center of the dais, traditionally the spot where the chairman sits - was voted in as council chairman. Billy Caron was chosen vice-chairman. Both also served on the most recent council.

Asked about the smoothness of the voting, and the seating arrangement, Buebendorf said this morning that Democrats had caucused over the weekend.

The council chose members for the following standing committees:

  • Town Administration/Rules & Procedures: Rosetta Jones, Chuck Longton, Laura Tanner
  • Finance Standing Committee: Rosetta Jones, Gary Murphy, Candy Buebendorf
  • Solid Waste/Public Works Standing Committee: Dana McFee, Billy Caron, Chuck Longton

The council elected the following liasions to town boards, committees and commissions:

  • Board of Education – Gary Murphy
  • Commission on Aging – Billy Caron
  • Economic Development Committee – Chuck Longton
  • Library Committee – Rosetta Jones
  • Parks & Recreation – Laura Tanner
  • Public Safety Commission – Candy Buebendorf
  • Planning & Zoning – Rosetta Jones
  • Youth Services Board – Billy Caron
  • Firefighters Relief Fund – Dana McFee
  • Public Safety Building Committee - Gary Murphy
  • Regional Dispatch Committee – Candy Buebendorf
  • Nonprofit Organizations – Laura Tanner
  • School Building Committee - Billy Caron
  • Social Services - Billy Caron
  • Inland Wetlands Commission – Dana Mc Fee

All votes were unanimous.

The council voted to ask for requests for proposals for the position of town attorney.


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