Enfield Town Council Ousts PZC Chair, Hires Acting Town Manager

ENFIELD, CT — The composition of the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission changed considerably at a somewhat contentious town council meeting Monday night, as councilors voted to not retain Republican PZC chair Ken Nelson in favor of Democrat Lewis Fiore.

Four regular PZC seats and an alternate position were up for nomination, but the process included some thinly-veiled digs at several candidates by council members. Republican Lori Unghire seemingly questioned the credentials of Kiran Majmudar, an unaffiliated PZC alternate who was appointed to a regular seat. After Majmudar was approved by an 8-1 vote, with Unghire in dissent, Fiore was nominated for the seat held by Nelson.

Unghire nominated Nelson, a former deputy mayor, for re-appointment, stating, "He's a perfect candidate for this spot. I think the town council needs to really think about what's best for Enfield."

Democrat Cindy Mangini responded with glowing words about Fiore, ending with a jab at Nelson. She said, "We will all be well-served with [Fiore's] background, knowledge, experience and ability to deliver the information accurately, and be respectful and courteous to residents."

Fiore won the seat by a 7-2 vote along party lines, with Unghire and fellow Republican Marie Pyznar opposed.

A seat held by Republican Richard Szewczak, who did not seek re-appointment, switched to the Democratic side, as former PZC chair Tony DiPace was unanimously approved. Democrat John Petronella was unanimously re-appointed, while Democratic newcomer Christian D'Antonio got an alternate seat by a 7-2 vote.

In other business, the council unanimously appointed former Bristol mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu as acting town manager. The first woman to serve as that city's chief municipal officer, she also served for eight years as an elected member of the City Council.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity," Zoppo-Sassu said. "When I look back on some of the decisions that have been made, and the policies and programs that have been put in place, there's a lot to be said for the progress that's happened here."

Mayor Bob Cressotti said, "I, along with my fellow councilors, am pleased and excited to welcome Ellen Zoppo-Sassu to the position of Enfield’s acting town manager. Ellen comes to Enfield with credentials, experience and enthusiasm to lead us in the right direction. We look forward to a good working relationship where we can learn from each other and do great things in Enfield."

Police Chief Alaric Fox had been serving as acting town manager since the resignation of Christopher Bromson in mid-November.

"I was honored to serve the town in the capacity of acting town manager and I certainly found the experience worthwhile," Fox said. "I look forward to returning my full-time attention to the men and women of the Enfield Police Department and the community we are proud to serve."