Madison boards enjoying smooth transition

MADISON, Nov 23, 2009 (New Haven Register - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Republicans regained a majority on the town's two top boards at this month's election, and if a recent Board of Finance meeting is any indication, the transition will be a smooth one.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Helen Burland, a Republican, chairwoman.

Democrat Kathy Rossini, who had served as chairwoman for the last two years when the board was evenly split between the parties, seconded Burland's nomination.

This is Burland's first term on the finance board.

She served on the Board of Education, as a Democrat, for eight years, and was assistant for administrative services for former first selectmen Tom Scarpati and Al Goldberg until she resigned in May 2008.

She recently switched her affiliation, and ran as a Republican for the Board of Finance.

Burland won the most overall votes for any Board of Finance candidate.

The Republicans now have a 4-2 majority on the finance board. Jennifer Tung, the board's longest-serving Republican, nominated Burland for the chairmanship.

" H e l e n i s someone who was a former Board of Education member and former staffer for the town; she's intimately familiar with both budgets," Tung said.

Rossini two years ago won the chairmanship from now First Selectman Fillmore McPherson, a Republican. It was the only time in recent history that Democrats led both town boards.

Two years ago, it took members two votes t o a p p r o v e Rossini; the first vote was s p l i t a l o n g p a r t y l i n e s with Republicans backing McPherson for the chairmanship.

Rossini immediately seconded Burland's nomination Wednesday.

"Thank you, I appreciate the confidence of both of you, and I would be happy to serve if you all agree," Burland said to Tung and Rossini before the board cast a 6-0 vote to appoint her chairwoman.

Rossini last week praised Owen Charles, a Democrat who had filled the remainder of Goldberg's term after he became first selectmen, and was not elected earlier this month.

Charles was a great asset to the board who brought data, an open mind and a calm presence to board meetings, Rossini said.

Also at the meeting, Board of Finance members thanked Republican Bob Hale, the former chairman of the Board of Education who did not run for re-election after 14 years of service.

At a Board of Education meeting last week, members voted Republican Becky Coffey chairwoman, Republican John Dean vice chairman and Democrat Seth Klaskin secretary, Coffey said.

At the Board of Finance meeting, members seemed satisfied with the new chairwoman and said they were excited to work together.

"I wish I had a gavel to pass to you," Rossini said to Burland with a smile after the vote.

Burland smiled back.

"Neither one of us are gavellike folk," she said.

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