McNally Thanks Darien Residents In Newsletter

DARIEN, CT — Outgoing First Selectman Monica McNally thanked residents for their support in her latest biweekly newsletter to the community.

McNally did not run for re-election this November, but she will remain involved in town government as a selectman.

Jon Zagrodzky ran unopposed and will now be Darien's chief elected official. The rest of the board of selectmen will remain intact, too, with Michael Burke, Marcy Minnick and Sarah Neumann as selectmen.

McNally said she's looking forward to working with her fellow board members in a new role, and she reflected back on her time in office.

"Darien has experienced more frequent and damaging storms over recent years. When I started my term, I made addressing flooding a priority," McNally said in her newsletter. "I have worked with staff, and my Board, to study areas that flood, provide support for projects that mitigate flooding, and educate the public about the ways residents can help in the efforts to mitigate flooding. I am proud of the progress we have made to identify areas that can be improved upon while remaining fiscally responsible."

During McNally's term, the town experienced widespread clear-cutting of trees by Eversource along the Metro-North lines. McNally recalled an agreement for a replanting plan in the area of Little Brook Road, and the town's first Arbor Da sapling distribution for residents.

The town purchased Great Island earlier this year, and McNally called the acquisition "the hallmark" of her tenure in office.

"Darien now moves forward with Jon Zagrodzky as our First Selectman. The future is bright for Darien as it continues to grow and evolve with the exciting new property developments and the addition of Great Island," McNally added.

"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your First Selectman. It has been an honor and the privilege of a lifetime. I leave my position proud of what I have accomplished on your behalf and humbled by the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of volunteers and employees that make Darien so special."