A packed meeting room at Town Hall gathered Monday night as Southbury swore in its newly elected officials.
Scouts from Troop 60 led the presentation of colors, followed by an invocation by Rabbi Eric Polokoff.
A crowd of residents, family and friends heard remarks from Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who thanked locals for making a peaceful transfer of power.
“I want to thank everybody who was a candidate in this campaign, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated. Thank you for making this transition possible and for modeling how it should be for everybody else,” Tong said in his remarks.
Town Clerk Alice Maisano administered oaths to nearly 30 elected officials for seats on town and regional boards and commissions decided in last month’s election.
Last month’s local election results yielded a Democratic sweep, while also, for the first time, electing a majority of women to the Board of Selectmen. Although a rare result for a historically Republican-led town, there was a historically average voter turnout rate of 41% (6,246 of 15,124 registered voters).
While former First Selectman Jeff Manville earned a seat on the board, he opted not to exercise that option. For the first time in a decade, his photo does not grace the town’s official website as of Tuesday morning.
Former Selectman Justin Bette did not throw his hat into the race this year. After serving alongside Manville, albeit across the aisle, the two formed a familiar face of leadership through some of the town’s most recent and destructive weather events.
Southbury’s new First Selectman, Tim O’Neil, is joined by Cathy De Carli, Wendy Bernard, Kelly Keenan, Holly Sullivan, and Jason Van Stone to make up the town’s new Board of Selectmen.
O’Neil outlined a list of priorities for his administration, including public safety and senior services.
“As we begin this journey, I’m committed to addressing the safety concerns of our residents,” said O’Neil.
“I also want to improve Senior Services, by expanding senior transportation, and ensuring that the Senior Center is open five days a week, with accessible exercise classes. I also look forward to working closely with the Southbury Ambulance Association to strengthen our emergency services in our community.”
The incoming First Selectman pointed to two safety issues in the Southford neighborhood of town: Larkin Bridal Trail, and speeding on Burma Road. He also said he hoped to find solutions to the issues of dilapidated homes on Route 172 in South Britain.
He further pledged to have a constructive dialogue with state officials about the long-term future of the Southbury Training School and the 45-acre piece of land known as the “Personnel Village” that could be used for additional housing. O’Neil called addressing the lack of affordable housing a “priority”.
Elsewhere, O’Neil mentioned sites like the town-owned 200-plus-acre Volpe-Rosen property as being potentially leased or sold.
“In my opinion, this is key to building the commercial and industrial grand list,” said O’Neil, emphasizing the need to explore options to reduce tax burdens on residents.
He echoed his longtime stance of improving town parks, as well as pledging to work closely with Region 15 school officials regarding the future of the town’s two oldest elementary schools.
“I’m elated, I’m humbled and I’m honored to have the opportunity to represent Southbury,” he added.
Following the oaths, a special meeting was briefly held to appoint Cathy De Cali as “chair pro tempore”, to serve with the First Selectman’s privileges in the event of O’Neil’s absence.
The first meeting for the new board is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.
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