Councilmen Say Goodbye: Bigosinski Praised for Thoughtful Comments and Being a Gentleman

Fourth Ward Councilman Tom Bigosinski was thanked for his intelligent thoughtful comments during policy debates during a farewell ceremony during Tuesday evening's Town Council meeting.

Bigosinski, a Democrat first elected in 2005, is leaving the Council at the end of the year after being defeated by Republican Councilman-elect Keith Loughlin in last month's election. Tuesday marked the last scheduled Council meeting of his tenure. Bigosinski and First Ward Councilman Sal Caruana, who was also honored last night, will both continue in office and attend any emergency meetings through the end of the month.

"You have been a perfect gentleman," Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins said during the tribute ceremony. "I never saw party lines. You thought about what you wanted to say before you said it. You are a wonderful role model for your boys."

Each of Bigosinski's colleagues shared their thoughts with him, praising him for his skills as an attorney and the discussions he brought into closed session on legal and contract issues. Councilman Mark Ciarrocca praised Bigosinski, an employment attorney by profession, for his contributions during these sessions. He noted that the outgoing councilman's thoughts during those sessions helped bring many issues to conclusion. Councilman Jim Foerst, who represented the fourth ward with Bigosinski, was at a Republican State Committee meeting in Trenton and delivered his farewell during last week's workshop meeting.

Bigosinski's departure from the Council will leave Councilman Dave Haas as the Council's sole Democrat. Haas bid farewell to his colleague noting that he will miss the chance to talk privately with a member of his party about the issues from closed session and other issues facing the town.

"I will miss you tremendously," Haas said. "It has been a pleasure to serve with you. You have always been a thoughtful well reasoned voice. You've always been honest."

Bigosinski's departure also drew remarks from members of the audience, several of whom cited his perfect attendance record as a councilman. During the last four years, Bigosinski has not missed a full session of the Council.

"We didn't always see eye to eye," said former Councilman Peter Echausse, who served with Bigosinski for two years. "The fact that you came here every Tuesday and gave up time with your wife and beautiful kids is greatly appreciated."

Bigosinski was honored for his tenure with a ceremonial resolution and a glass bowl. Sharon Stockwell, the president of the community advocacy organization We Care, presented the outgoing councilman with a gift on behalf of the group.

"We want to thank you for taking the time to meet with us when you were first elected," she said. "Thank you for listening to us. We know Viera and the boys will enjoy having more time with you."

Over the past four years, Bigosinski has served as vice chairman of the both the Council's public works committee and code review and town property committee. He has also served as a member of the public safety, transportation and parking committee and as Council liaison to the Board of Health.

During his farewell address, a visibly moved Bigosinski thanked his colleagues and the members of the public, including Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) for their kind words. He took time to thank the members of the town's professional staff and department heads and said he will miss the chance to work with all of them on a daily basis.

Bigosinski particularly thanked his Council colleagues noting that while they all worked hard, they also had fun while serving in local government.

"I am very grateful to all of you for those kind words," Bigosinski said. "One of the things that has surprised me these past four years on Council is how much hard work goes into municipal governance and I have been even more surprised by how much fun it's been."