WH's New Diversity Staffer Comes From Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — After less than a year in office, a member of the town's highest elected board has resigned to take a position working for the Town of West Hartford.

Adrienne Billings-Smith, a Democrat, officially resigned Oct. 14 from her elected role in town government, but the West Hartford Town Council's meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25, was her last one sitting on the council.

She was first elected to the council in November 2021 as part of the Democratic candidate slate.

Billings-Smith will now start work as the town's full-time equity coordinator to deal with issues regarding diversity and inclusion on town boards, commissions and departments.

The new position pays more than $111,000.

"This position puts me out into the community, dealing with everyday issues that are important to our residents and our town with respect to its growth and its vision. It also allows me to help create and cultivate a culture based on our town's mission. West Hartford made a promise to be a more inclusive town, a more diverse town, and a more welcoming town," wrote Billings-Smith in her resignation letter.

During Tuesday's meeting, her council colleagues offered her well wishes in her new role.

"This is bittersweet. This is really, really bittersweet," West Hartford Mayor and fellow Democrat Shari Cantor said of Billings-Smith's departure from the council. "I know we all want to express our gratitude and our best wishes."

"We won't be as good a body without you, but we will be a better town because of you," Cantor said.

The tributes came from across the political aisle as well, with both Republicans and Democrats each bidding adieu to her time on the council, but welcoming her to town hall.

Republican Councilman Alberto Cortes, despite being with another party during divisive times, had kind words for Billings-Smith, who has long been a local activist for diversity causes.

He served with her her on the civilian police review board and ran for town council the same year.

"We ran for town council on opposite sides, we know that no matter how left or how right one can be, we can try and accomplish the same thing and have the same goals in mind," Cortes said.

Cortes said she was the best candidate for the new diversity position.

"So bittersweet is an understatement," Cortes said. "I'm glad we didn't go with the second best, we went with the person who has been doing the work already."

Billings-Smith choked back tears following the well-wishes of her council colleagues.

"It has been a privilege to sit at this table with all of you and learn from every single one of you," Billings-Smith said. "Thank you for your service. It means a lot."

To watch the Oct. 25 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

To read a copy of Billings-Smith's resignation letter, click on this link and scroll down.

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