New Stratford Town Council, Elected Officials Sworn In

From Stratford Mayor’s Office

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford’s recently elected officials were sworn into office during the 52nd session of the Stratford Town Council in the Council Chambers Monday night at Stratford Town Hall.

Town Clerk Susan Pawluk, acting as temporary chair, swore in seven Constables, two District I Planning Commission members, two District I Zoning Commission members, three Zoning Board of Appeals members (one for each District IV, V, and I), three new Board of Education members, and the 10-member newly elected Town Council:

First District – Honorable Thomas Bryan O’Connor

Second District – Honorable Christopher Green

Third District – Honorable Alvin O’Neal

Fourth District – Honorable René Gibson

Fifth District – Honorable Anthony Afriyie

Sixth District – Honorable Kerry Whitham

Seventh District – Honorable Kaitlyn Shake

Eighth District – Honorable Carl Glad

Ninth District – Honorable Alan Llewelyn

Tenth District – Honorable Paul Aurelia

After the administration of the oath of office, the Town Council moved forward with the selection of the Council Chairman for the 2023-2025 term.

When Temporary Chair Pawluk asked for nominations, Councilor Llewelyn nominated Councilor Glad, which was then seconded by Councilor Aurelia. After asking for any additional nominations, Councilor Shake nominated Alvin O’Neal, which was seconded by Anthony Afriyie. Councilor O’Neal thanked his fellow councilors but declined the nomination.

Councilor Llewelyn motioned to close nominations, which was seconded by Councilor Shake, and the Council voted on the uncontested nomination of Carl Glad for Council Chairman. Councilors O’Connor, O’Neal, Whitham, Glad, Llewelyn, and Aurelia voted for Glad. Councilors Green, Gibson, Afriyie, and Shake voted nay. With a vote of 6-4, Councilor Carl Glad was selected as Town Council Chairman for the 2023-2025 term.

The Council moved forward with nominations for Council Chairman Pro-Tempore, with Councilor Gibson nominating Councilor Afriyie, seconded by Councilor Green. Councilor O’Neal then nominated himself, which was seconded by Councilor O’Connor. Councilor Shake then moved to close nominations, which was seconded by Councilor Llewelyn.

The Council ended up voting six for Councilor O’Neal (O’Connor, O’Neal, Whitham, Glad, Llewelyn, and Aurelia) and four for Councilor Afriyie (Green, Gibson, Afriyie, and Shake). With six votes, Councilor O’Neal was selected as Council Chairman Pro-Tempore.

The Council unanimously voted to select Margaret S. Paquette as Council Clerk for the 2023-2025 term, after Ms. Paquette had been nominated by Councilor Whitham and seconded by Councilor O’Neal. Lastly, the Council moved to table the adoption of Rules of Procedure to the January Town Council meeting after Councilor Llewelyn made the motion and Councilor Shake seconded.

Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, who gave the invocation and pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the meeting, said, “I’d like to congratulate all of our newly elected officials, including our 10 Councilors, and wish everyone the best of luck. It is my hope we will all work together towards a united, bright future for Stratford.

“My sincerest thanks to Councilor Glad for taking on the role of Chairman and to Councilor O’Neal for being the Chairman Pro-Tempore,” Hoydick said. “As I mentioned in the invocation, may this new Council engage in respectful discourse and an effort of understanding, even during times of disagreement. We are first and foremost here to serve the people of Stratford, to put our Town’s best interests above all. I am committed to helping this Council in my capacity as Mayor to be as successful as possible in their efforts of representing their constituents and our Town.”