MONROE, CT — Monroe’s newly elected town officials took their oaths of office from Probate Judge T.R. Rowe during a swearing in ceremony in the Council Chambers of Town Hall Monday evening. First Selectman Terry Rooney, who won a second term, shared town highlights from the last two years and struck a tone of unity as Monroe moves forward.
“As I look into the crowd and address those online, I ask, who is going to join me in continuing to make Monroe a strong unbreakable community with a mentality forged on prosperity, common sense, and an undeniable work ethic?” Rooney asked as he spoke from the podium. “I would hope everyone, because Monroe can only thrive with a clear vision to evolve and work together.”
The first selectman said he welcomes everyone’s ideas, visions and concerns.
The Republican incumbent edged his challenger, Democrat Leon Ambrosey, who owns an auto repair shop in town and serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission, by a vote of 2,943 to 2,756 in the municipal election on Nov. 5.
“We didn’t just win an election, we reaffirmed a vision,” Rooney said. “A continuation of a Monroe that is safe, thriving and desirable. I want to thank my opponent for a spirited campaign and for his continued service to our community.”
The first selectman congratulated all elected officials, as well as appointed volunteers on town boards and commissions for their dedication to Monroe.
Among those sworn into office were Town Clerk Vida Stone (R), Treasurer Frank Dutches (R), Tax Collector Deborah E. Heim (R), and constables Pat Tomchik (D) and Vic Yanosy (R).
The Town Council includes Vincent A. Duva (R), Jonathan Formichella (R), Nina Gagnon (D), Cathy Kohut (D), Enid Lipeles (R), Jason Maur (D), Sean P. O’Rourke (R), Kevin Reid (R) and Dona-Lyn Wales (R).
Those winning seats on the Board of Education are Christine Cascella (R), Dennis Condon (R), Jeff Fulchino (R), Sunny Gill (R) and Jerry Stevens (D).
Republicans Michael O’Reilly and Robert Westlund won another term on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Winning another term as commission alternates are Dominic Smeraglino III (R), Nicole Lupo (R) and Domenic Paniccia (D).
Board of Finance members winning terms were Mark O’Donnell (R) and Samantha Spino (D).
The inauguration began with a flag ceremony by Scouts from Troop 63, who led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and Masuk student Christian Kloter singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
David York, chaplain of the town’s fire services, gave an Invocation and Benediction.
“I have not seen the news tonight, but I can almost guarantee that there’s somebody on there saying that the other party isn’t doing it right and ‘these people don’t have the skills to do anything right, and some people should be harmed or incarcerated or deported’ and on and on,” York said before the opening prayer. “There’s a lot of negativity out there on the airwaves.”
“I’m happy to be here, where we are going to see some positivity,” he continued. “In our community we’ve been known for caring for each other, for reaching out to each other — forgetting, in my mind at least, the political categories and so on.”
Scott continued a tradition started by his predecessor, former state representative, J.P. Sredzinski, of handing out lapel pins with the town of Monroe’s seal and the image of President James Monroe to those winning election for the first time.
Among Monroe’s newest elected officials are Sunny Gill, Nina Gagnon and Mark O’Donnell, who was elected for the first time after having been appointed to finish someone else’s term.
“I just want to let them know that they’re representing Monroe and here is a symbol of that,” Scott said of the pins.
“It’s a nice tradition to have a little symbol of Monroe,” said Gagnon, while wearing her new pin.
The event ended with a reception in the Town Hall lobby, sponsored by the Monroe Republican and Democratic town committees, with cookies and other refreshments.
Highlights
The first selectman touted Republican candidates sweep of all contested seats in November’s election.
“This victory belongs to every resident who believes in the responsible governance of our town and the power of steady, principled leadership,” Rooney said. “We didn’t just win an election, we reaffirmed a vision. A continuation of a Monroe that is safe, thriving and desirable. A heartfelt appreciation to my many supporters and families who stood by me.”
In the past two years, Rooney said his administration made “real progress,” citing Monroe’s ranking as one of the safest towns in Connecticut.
“This is directly related to our support of police and emergency services,” he said. “That support, I’m proud to announce, has resulted in police statistics showing that the crimes of larceny and burglary in Monroe has been cut by 50 percent.”
He touted Monroe as a top place to live in Connecticut with Blue Ribbon Schools that were voted 16th out of 120 school systems, and are ranked ninth on the list of top districts in Fairfield County.
“These statistics are a testament to our teachers and their dedication to excellence,” Rooney said.
In his capacity as Monroe’s first selectman, Rooney said he expressed concerns over legislation from Hartford that he believes will be bad for the community, most recently the passage of House Bill 8002, which he said will allow multifamily housing as of right on the town’s commercial properties, putting a strain on traffic and a burden on the school system.
He said he stood with other community leaders in opposing a purchase of Aquarion Water Company by RWA, and his administration has shown “unwavering” support for small businesses, as the town welcomed 84 new businesses here.
“We have focused on long needed road infrastructure and paving concerns with our new and highly successful first year paving operation,” Rooney said. “This paving operation provides a tax savings and better road conditions for generations to come.”
He touted the town’s efforts to increase cyber security and the IT Department’s move to newly renovated office space in the Monroe community center.
“We have focused on our environment with the soon-to-be-completed acquisition of 60-plus acres of the Benedicts’ property with Aspetuck Land Trust,” Rooney said. “This acquisition will give our community a much-needed dog friendly environment for our four-legged friends and their owners.”
He said his administration advocated for the interests of seniors by providing homeowner fraud protection, helping to protect seniors from conservatorship, and updating the tax ordinance to offer tax relief to more people.
Rooney spoke of contracts negotiated with police, highway and clerical unions, and the beautification and maintenance of town parks and facilities.
“We have also settled Pepper Street to substantial completion, built a new animal control facility, started construction on the Judd Road bridge and Rails to Trails at Great Hollow Lake,” he said.
The first selectman listed $917,000 worth of grants obtained by the town’s grant writer with another $520,000 pending.
Rooney’s agenda
In outlining his vision for his next term, Rooney said his administration will “continue to responsibly support” education initiatives, strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness, promote economic development while “preserving Monroe’s small-town charm,” increase senior tax relief, create more senior activities with the community center project, and continue to perfect the paving program with public works.
“We will work diligently on our town entrances with new signage and businesses that are on the verge of calling Monroe home,” he said. “While Monroe and our residents face consistent unfunded state mandates, rising medical premiums and utility increases, I will work diligently to mitigate that impact on our taxpayers.”
Rooney said his administration will continue to have a transparent government that responds to every voice.
“As your first selectman, I have not only talked the talk … I have walked the walk,” he said.
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