History Is Made With West Hartford Council's Latest Appointment

WEST HARTFORD, CT — As West Hartford's game of municipal musical chairs continues, the West Hartford Town Council recently made history.

In a unanimous, bipartisan vote, the council last week voted 8-0 to appoint Democrat Tiffani McGinnis to the council to finish the term of a veteran councilor recently appointed town clerk.

And, according to West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, it marks the first time in local history women have comprised a majority on the town's top elected body — and that became official on International Women's Day March 8.

McKinnis' appointment means there are now five women on the town council and four men.

"She is ethical and hard-working and she really has an interest in learning about the town," Cantor said of McKinnis, who has long been a campaign worker for several Democratic campaigns on the state, local and national levels.

McGinnis' term will be brief, as she is filling the remainder of term vacated by longtime Democratic Councilman Leon Davidoff, who resigned last month en route to his appointment as West Hartford's town clerk, Essie Labrot.

The retiring Labrot swore in McGinnis at a special council meeting last week.

McGinnis was immediately seated at the table March 8 and now sits on the council's public safety committee, where she is vice chairperson, and on the comunity planning and economic development committee, where she is chairperson.

In officially nominating McGinnis, council members offered up some kind words.

"I just want to say it is an absolute pleasure to have Tiffani here today. Tiffani is not only a neighbor, she is what I call a 'foxhole' person. She is an absolute dedicated worker," said West Hartford Deputy Mayor Liam Sweeney, a Democrat. "She has been in our town working tirelessly. She is an understated powerhouse in our town."

Democrat Councilperson Carol Blanks, who seconded Sweeney's motion to appoint, echoed those sentiments.
"She brings a strong work ethic to this council. She is committed to this town and she is certainly a leader," Blanks said. "Welcome to the council and what I also have to say is buckle up."

Said Democratic Councilperson Debra Polun, recently appointed herself to fill a vacancy: "She is deeply committed to improving our communities and ensuring a better future for all people, especially those who, too often, are overlooked or face other challenges."

For the minutes of the March 8 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the updated roster of the West Hartford Town Council, click on this link.

From March 7: 'Veteran West Hartford Councilman Resigns En Route To Town Clerk Role'