Artinian, Three Others Step Down From Darien RTC

Chairman Harry Artinian, treasurer Joi Reiner Gallo, and two other members of the have stepped down from their positions, the RTC announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the committee attributed the retirements to "varying combinations of shifting personal/professional responsibilities and other events."

"The Republican Town Committee extends its most heartfelt appreciation to each and every retiring member for their years of dedication, insights and valuable contributions," the announcement read.

Along with Artinian and Gallo, RTC members James Rickards and Victoria Smith are also stepping down from the 21-member body. All four resignations are effectively immediately.

The committee also cited some of the "enormous contributions" made by the retiring members, including recruiting "exceptional individuals" to run for town boards and commissions and "[standing] firmly against controversial, high-profile community issues such as the disastrous 2006 Health District, 2008 Charter Reform and 35 Leroy affordable housing proposals."

The statement also credited the Artinian-led RTC with "a radical transformation" of the committee into a "strikingly more open and transparent political organization," citing new rules that require all Darien party members to be informed of nominees in advance and that allow them to endorse candidates in a public caucus.

The RTC that it was seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the committee but did not specify who or how many members had stepped down.

Vice Chairman John Boulton said in an email Thursday that the committee has not yet decided when it will elect a new chairman. The RTC's next meeting is set for Wednesday, June 29.