Town Council Bids Farewell to Wadsworth

Before going forward with some important business, the Town Council took some time to reflect back on the 10 years Vice Chairman William Wadsworth spent on the council and the changes he helped bring to Farmington.

Council Chairman Mike Clark called it a bittersweet moment because they would miss Wadsworth's contribution on the council but were looking forward to all the money he would be sending back from Hartford as he enters his first term as state representative.

"It's been a tremendous personal honor and a pleasure to serve with Bill on the council," Clark said, adding that Wadsworth's dedication has made the town a better place. "He's had a willingness to take on the toughest problems that have faced the town without fanfare… and just be totally selfless in taking those on."

Councilman Charlie Keniston told the crowd of about 50 people he wondered what two or three people would fill Wadsworth's shoes before reading "the longest proclamation," commending Wadsworth on his service to the town. The proclamation listed Wadsworth's achievements on the council, his participation in nearly every board governing the town, his professional accomplishments as a builder and personal hobbies, including hot air balloon operator.

Town Manager Kathy Eagen presented Wadsworth with a map of the open space he had helped the town to acquire since 2010. During the past 10 years, 758 acres of land in Farmington has been assured as open space for the town, an increase of 44 percent, she said.

Ron Janezcko, Board of Education member and former Farmington High School crew team leader, thanked Wadsworth for his many years of support to the crew team.

"Bill is the unsung hero of the crew team," Janezcko said, pointing to his help in transporting boats, taking care of practical things and helping to get a boathouse built for the team.

Wadsworth thanked Arlene Whitaker, Bruce Chudwick and Mike Clark, all council chairmen he's served under, and promised to be in touch.

"I'll continue to serve the town of Farmington though it may be from a different place," he said.