Town Council Elects New Leadership

Enid Lipeles has enjoyed a long run as Town Council chairman and after winning reelection, fellow Republican councilman, Tony Unger, nominated her for another term as chair, but then Lipeles said it was time for a change.

"I have served on the Town Council for 13 years, 12 as chair," Lipeles said during the Town Council meeting Monday night. "I think it's time to leave the chair to a younger person. I have made this responsibility a very important part of my life, but feel it is time to give it up. I still plan on serving on the Legislative and Administrative subcommittee, the EMS Facility Search and Pension Fund for Town Employees.

"Monroe is my town and I have no plans for retiring and going anywhere else. I am looking forward to working with and possibly giving guidance to the younger people on the council. I hope to continue on the council for many more years and I would like to be part of making this new council the best ever.

"I thank the veterans on the council, both Republican and Democrats, for making this a very pleasant and important part of my life and am looking forward to working with them in a positive manner for a better Monroe."

Going With J.P.

After Lipeles stepped aside, Unger nominated J.P. Sredzinski to be the next chairman.

"J.P. has been a very active member of the Town Council and in his work as chairman of L&A," Unger said. "We appreciate everything he has done."

Dee Dee Martin, a longtime member of the Democratic minority on the council, said, "I'm surprised, but not completely unhappy. I'm sorry to see Enid leave as chair. I've worked with J.P. and offer my bipartisan support."

Sredzinski said, "I didn't expect to have bipartisan support. I think it says a lot about our town moving forward. I will have Enid as a guide."

Sredzinski was elected chairman unanimously.

Vice Chairman Frank Lieto

Traditionally, the top vote-getter is elected council chairman and Council member Deborah Heim received the most votes for the second election in a row. Heim was vice chair last term, but on Monday Unger nominated Councilman Frank Lieto to fill that role.

Heim seconded the motion.

Of Lieto, Unger said, "He has the ability to work with detail and lead people."

Council member Phyllis Kansky, a Democrat, made her own nomination.

"I would like to nominate Dee Dee Martin as vice chair," she said. "Serving on the Town Council for 20 years, at times she was the top vote-getter for both parties. I think in the spirit of bipartisanship we should vote for Dee Dee Martin as vice chair."

The newly elected Town Council then made its first vote along party lines with Republicans Lipeles, Heim, Lieto, Unger, Sean O'Rourke and Sredzinski voting for Lieto and Martin and Kansky voting for Martin.

After the votes, First Selectman Steve Vavrek thanked Lipeles for her service as chairman and congratulated all candidates on being elected. Those sentiments were also expressed during a public comment session by Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Patrick O'Hara, Board of Finance member Debra Dutches and Republican Town Committee Chairman Jeff Guttman.