Dem, GOP Leaders In WeHA Say 'Yes' To New Councilperson

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Democrat Debra S. Polun may be new to the West Hartford Town Council, but she's not new to the Democrats and Republicans she now serves with on the town's top elected body.

Most recently a member of the West Hartford Board of Education, Polun has a long history working with her new colleagues, as she's made the rounds in various municipal boards, commissions and committees with them.

And because of that bipartisan history of working with all, Polun's Nov. 9 appointment to the council — a unanimous 7-0 formality — was a popular one on both sides of the political aisle.

"When I heard that you were selected, I couldn't be happier. I know we worked together and didn't always see eye to eye. But we came away from it with different perspectives and came away from it very professionally and we settled our difference over cups of coffee," said Republican Mark Zydanowicz just prior to approving her appointment Nov. 9.

"Its going to be a great pleasure and she's going to be a great addition to the town council."

Zydanowicz is one of three Republicans on the council, which is controlled 6-3 by Democrats.

But political affiliations took a bipartisan back seat when Polun joined the board earlier this month.

"She shows great leadership within the community and I'm looking forward to serving with her on some of the committee together," Republican Councilman Alberto Cortes said.

In order to serve on the council, Polun had to resign her seat on the school board.

After she was voted onto the council, Polun was sworn in by West Hartford Town Clerk Essie Labrot and she was seated at the table.

Polun lives in West Hartford with her husband, Ian, and she has two children who graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford.

Professionally, she is the executive director for the Connecticut Association for Community Action, a state association for community action agencies that provide services to low-income people.

But her civic experience is what had her new colleagues on the council pleased with her being the choice to replace former council member Adrienne Billings-Smith, a Democrat who resigned last month.

Billings-Smith is now the town's full-time equity coordinator and deals with issues regarding diversity and inclusion on town boards, commissions and departments.

Polun is chair of the Government Affairs Task Force for the Jewish Community Relations Council and had served on the West Hartford Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities; as vice president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford; as a mentor in the West Hartford Public Schools; and in several positions on the board of directors for Congregation B’nai Tikvoh Sholom (previously Tikvoh Chadoshoh).

"Deb is very committed. If you watched her lead, she is smart and she's a hard-working individual," said West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, a fellow Democrat.

"She is creative and thoughtful and will work to resolve problems in a practical and earnest way. She believes listening to people makes her a better elected leader. I'm proud to bring her on board."

Democratic council member Leon Davidoff agreed.

"Deb will bring and extensive background of the budget and budgetary practices. That is something that is very much needed," he said. "I wish you much success in this new role."

Polun's first full meeting of the West Hartford Town Council will be Wednesday, Nov. 30, which is the rescheduled meeting date after the Nov. 22, Thanksgiving week meeting was cancelled.

For the minutes of the Nov. 9 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From Oct. 28: 'West Hartford Dems Choose School Official For Council Spot'