Southington Says 'Goodbye' To Three PZC Members

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With elections next week in Southington, it is a given there will be some new faces on the town's planning and zoning commission.

That's because three members of the current Southington PZC are stepping down from the town's top land-use board, a board whose job is to determine what goes where as far as development is concerned.

At the final meeting before the Nov. 7 municipal elections, the trio was honored for their service to the community.

Republican Southington PZC Vice Chairman Robert Salka, Democratic Commissioner Christina Volpe and Republican Commissioner Peter Santago are not seeking new PZC terms this year.

Southington Town Council Chairperson Victoria Triano, who is retiring from public service herself this year, was on hand at the last meeting Oct. 17 to issue them citations honoring them for their work.

Triano especially cited their "faithful service" and "dedication."

The retiring council members were moved by the bipartisan outpouring from colleagues.

"This is a true honor. It's been such a privilege to be here the last four years," Volpe said. "It's been an amazing experience for me and I'm grateful that I did it."

She also said her colleagues would miss one aspect of her personality on the board.

"Thank you for having me here and putting up with all of my quips," Volpe said. "I think you'll miss them."

A visibly moved Santago said what inspired him the most was how PZC members worked together, regardless of their political parties, something lacking in many forms of government these days.

"I think this commission should be very proud that we operated this commission in a bipartisan manner," Santago said. "You vote the way you want and there's no animosity. We did it in accordance with what the law says and what our regulations say.

"We conducted ourselves with decorum and class and, in this day and age, that's not always done."

Salka, as the number two official on the PZC as vice-chairman, said public servants like those who serve on volunteer boards and commissions are harder to come by.

"There has been a real lack, I think, of people willing to step up and serve, whether it be local or state or on the federal side," Salka said.

"And I just feel privileged that the voters put me here for four years. I just want to thank everyone for the privilege of being able to serve the town."

Hammersley thanked the three, urging them to stay involved as they always have in some capacity in the future.

"You guys have done a great job," the PZC chairman said. "Thank you to all three of you. I wish you all well and hope we can stay in touch."

For the minutes of the Oct. 17 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, click on this link.

From Oct. 25: 'Southington 2023 Election Guide: Meet The Candidates'