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In its December meeting the Stamford Board of Representatives voted down Mayor Michael Pavia's nominees for Harbor Management Commission. But the rejection had little to do with the qualifications of the mayor's picks. Rather, the board said it voted on a matter of principle.
Not one of the nominees was a Democrat. All were either Republicans or unaffiliated voters. And that didn't sit well with the 35 local representatives in attendance.
"It has all to do with the precedent, in my opinion, of fairness," said city Rep. Annie Summerville, D-6, chair of the board's Appointments Committee. She spoke before the vote was taken. "I look at it as, we should all be at the table because we've been elected by the people."
Her colleagues agreed. Only Republican James Ryan received any favorable votes, a mere two. Other nominees for appointment or reappointment didn't receive any "yes" votes at all. They included Republicans W. Frank Dell II, Damian Ortelli and Frank Fumega, and unaffiliated nominees Jeff Saunders and Raymond Redniss. Unaffiliated John Condlin's name was withdrawn before the vote.
The Harbor Management Commission consists of seven members and two alternates. It regulates the city's mooring activity, establishes fees and makes recommendations on activities and projects affecting the waters.
The City Charter states, "No more than four of the commissioners shall be members of the same political party." It does not specify major party.
Pavia, a Republican, said a Democratic nominee he had selected was withdrawn for technical reasons, "leaving no Democrats." He was philosophical about the vote.
"It was one of those commissions where the affiliation of the individual you're nominating really becomes priority over everything else," he said, predicting a more favorable outcome on his next try. "We'll get it," he said.
Should political affiliations matter when making city commission and board appointments? If the City Charter dictates the makeup of a body, should the charter be changed? Questions or comments on this story? Felicia can be reached at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.us.
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