Ed Edelson Says Goodbye as Manville Takes the Oath of Office

It was a changing of the guard inside Southbury Town Hall this week.

Outgoing First Selectman Ed Edelson, a Democrat, said goodbye to residents on social media.

Edelson wrote, “Final Thoughts: (Dec. 4) is my last as your First Selectman. Extensive use of Facebook to communicate directly with the community has been one of the many new things we introduced in 2011.

I have always believed that communicating is a primary responsibility of an elected representative of the people. I want to thank all of you who have been following the Town on this Facebook page these past 4 years. It has been an honor to serve. I am very proud of what we have accomplished.

Of course this required a team approach from all the employees who work for the Town of Southbury. I cannot say enough positive things about the collaboration with Carol Hubert.

Carol has contributed more to this community in the past decades than anyone else I know. Her knowledge, organizational skills and common sense approach to problems was essential to our successes.

I also want to thank Noreen Thompson and Betsy Rosa who were there to keep the office running so smoothly while always having a supportive smile.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all Southburians a Happy Holiday season and a safe and prosperous New Year,” Edelson wrote.

Taking over the First Selectman’s office is Jeffrey Manville, a Republican, who was sworn into office Monday night. Manville, according to the Republican-American thanked all of the elected officials for volunteering their time to the community.

GOP Selectwoman Jennifer Naylor was also named the Board of Selectmen’s chairman pro tem, which means she’ll lead meetings when Manville is absent.

For a picture of Manville taking the oath of office click here.