Town Council Appoints Downes As North Branford Town Manager

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — A son of North Branford, born and raised, will be the new Town Manager effective Sept. 13.

The North Branford Town Council appointed Michael Downes, a North Branford native with a 25-year career in public service, at its Tuesday meeting.

Downes, who previously served on the Town Council from 1997-2003, was serving again on the Town Council since last November, resigning his seat on Monday in order to accept the position. Downes will replace Michael Paulhus who resigned effective Aug. 5 to become Town Manager of Plainville. Town Clerk Lisa Valenti has been serving as interim Town Manager.

“We are excited to have Mike lead North Branford as its next Town Manager,” Mayor Jeffrey Macmillen said. “To have someone of his experience and caliber both guiding and growing our town, while having grown up living and participating in town as a member of our community, is a great advantage. The Council looks forward to working alongside Mike as he takes on this position and the challenges that come with it.”

Downes, who grew up in Northford and attended North Branford public schools, is currently the Chief of Staff to the Mayor in the Town of Stratford, a post he has held since 2017. Before that, he was Connecticut State House of Representatives communications director.

Downes holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a certificate in City Management from Villanova University, a Master of Science degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from SCSU.

Downes, who said he's "deeply honored" by the appointment, also shared his pride in being a town native.

"I am proud to have been born and raised in North Branford, and to be raising my son alongside my wife in the town I grew up in," he said. He added that he's looking forward to both the "opportunity to serve the residents of North Branford" and to "bringing my extensive experience in municipal and state government to this role."

Downes said he'll be "focusing on economic development that is within the character of our unique community, continuing the Town’s excellent fiscal record, and protecting taxpayer investment in our infrastructure."

Under North Branford’s form of municipal government, the Town Council enjoys the powers of a Board of Directors, enacting local ordinances and laws, and crafting policy.

The Town Manager is appointed by the Council as the town’s chief executive officer, fulfilling the policy direction of the council, and administering the day-to-day operations of town government including proposal of the annual town operating and capital budgets for adoption by the Council.

Town Council member Rose Angeloni said she's "delighted (Downes) accepted the challenge of being the next Town Manager for North Branford."

"He brings an impressive amount of experience and knowledge to the town that will help him navigate the challenges North Branford faces in the coming years, Angeloni said.

And Town Council member Marie Diamond said she believes Downes has the "administrative experience and expertise" that will, both, "enhance services" for residents and will "move the town forward."