Selectman Haase Supports Heavner, Calls for Reconsideration of Salary Cut

[Picture (contributed in 2013): From left, Selectmen Nancy Haase and Sean Askham, from their election campaign in 2013]

Update 4:34 p.m.:

Selectmen Cheryl Cook and Mike Paine were also at the Friday afternoon news conference, according to a picture caption in a Hartford Courant article. If they had any prepared statements, they were not included in the GOP news release sent out shortly after the news conference started.

Updated (with the addition of paragraphs 3 and 4) at 4:20 p.m.:

Simsbury GOP Selectman Nancy Haase, in a statement Friday, says she’ll support Democrat Lisa Heavner to succeed First Selectman Mary Glassman, whose resignation takes effect Jan. 2.

But Haase also said she’ll ask the board to reconsider the salary cut it voted in two weeks ago that led to Glassman’s resignation last Monday (video of her statement and answers to reporters’ questions here).

The Hartford Courant reported that “Republican selectmen” (indicating more than just Haase) “will reconsider the vote” at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

Despite the fact that a “press conference” was announced, the GOP selectmen attending it did not take any questions from reporters after they made their statements, according to the Courant. They said town residents should attend the Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night (the board’s meetings are generally covered live on Simsbury Community TV).

Selectman Sean Askham, also the chairman of the Simsbury Republican Town Committee, who had not supported the board’s decision to cut the first selectman’s salary, wished Glassman the best and said again that he was shocked and saddened by her resignation.

The following announcement from the Simsbury Republican Town Committee primarily contains statements by Askham and Hasse, apparently prepared to be made at a 3:30 p.m. news conference:

The Republican members of the Simsbury Board of Selectmen held a press conference on Dec. 5, 2014, at 3:30 in the Program Room of the Simsbury Public Library. What follows is the text of the speeches given by Nancy Haase and Sean Askham.

Speech by Sean Askham

My name is Sean Askham. First and foremost, I have the honor of serving my hometown as a Simsbury Selectman. I also have the privilege of being the chairman of the Simsbury Republican Party.

These last few weeks have been some of the most challenging in our history here in Simsbury. One of those challenges has unexpectedly arisen as a result of recent action by the Board of Selectmen. I was shocked to learn that the First Selectman was stepping down and certainly didn’t ever think would have been a possibility.

To the best of my knowledge it has never happened in the history of our town. To me, last Monday was a very sad day amongst many sad days over these past few weeks. I know our residents are deeply concerned. I am here today to let them to know that I share these concerns, and I pledge to do what I can to best move our town through this difficult time.

Last night the Simsbury Republicans gathered to do what all residents of Simsbury have been doing: to discuss and give feedback on the recent vote of the Selectmen and the resignation of the First Selectman. We heard many perspectives and thoughts, including from members of the public who took the time to attend, and we shared a civil discussion.

While no formal action was taken, the Simsbury Republicans share my shock and sadness on the news of Mary Glassman’s resignation. Our party offers broad support for the remaining five volunteer members of the Simsbury Board of Selectmen. We do not seek, nor would we wish for, a special election. Rather, we
share a strong desire for continued leadership through these trying times as we move forward.

The Simsbury Republican Party wishes Mary Glassman the best in her future endeavors and thanks her for her years of service to the community we all love.

Speech by Nancy Haase:

Good Afternoon I am Nancy Haase, Simsbury’s Deputy First Selectman. I am here today to let the people of Simsbury know that we have heard from you, and that we have listened intently to both sides of the recent Board of Selectmen decision. I want to thank everyone for their input.

I also want to thank Carl and Melissa Meyer for their work, providing residents with a means to offer feedback to us. [Editor’s note: The Meyers had started an online petition calling on the selectmen to reconsider their decision.] These efforts speak clearly to what a great town Simsbury is. Whether you agree or disagree with a particular vote by those who represent you, residents can participate in the democratic process and their voices can be heard.

My decision on Nov. 24 was based upon my careful review of the facts and the input of many residents. I made what I felt was the right decision with the best of intentions and the convictions of my heart. It is clear, however, that the public wants more dialogue on this issue.

Therefore, I am here to announce that I have submitted an action item on the Board of Selectmen’s agenda for this Monday to reconsider the action concerning the compensation for the First Selectman. In preparation for Monday’s meeting, we encourage all residents to continue to provide constructive feedback and suggestions.

To clarify a misunderstanding — I never intended, nor is it permissible for me to fill out the remainder of the First Selectman’s term.

I am committed to continuing to work together with the new First Selectman to face these issues and to provide continuity in the leadership of our town.

Though we each vote our conscience, the Republicans on the Board of Selectmen don’t always agree. But I know I speak for the four of us as we all offer our support today for our next First Selectman, Lisa
Heavner.

There are many pressing issues in the weeks and months ahead. We look forward to working side-by-side with Lisa and with the newly appointed Democrat member of the Board of Selectmen and to continuing our work as volunteers for our great town.

We are blessed to live in a wonderful town. Simsbury is a great place to live because of the hard work and dedication of amazing volunteers in our community. We must continue to put the town first and work together as a board and with our residents to address the challenges we are facing.

Editor’s note: Here are previously published Simsbury Patch articles on Glassman’s resignation and reaction to it:

• Simsbury First Selectman to Resign After Salary Cut
• Simsbury Considers How to Replace Glassman as First Selectman
• Here’s the Video of First Selectman Mary Glassman Announcing She’ll Resign
• UPDATE: Simsbury Democratic Committee Endorses Heavner for First Selectman
• Simsbury GOP Town Committee to Discuss Glassman’s Pay