A familiar face will replace Tara Kolakowski on the Board of Aldermen.
David Knapp, a former member of the board, was appointed Tuesday to finish Kolakowski’s two-year term as the Seventh Ward Alderman.
Kolakowski, a Democrat, stepped down last month after accepting a position as the government liaison for the city.
De Ja Vu
This is Knapp’s second go at the seat.
He was first elected as the Seventh Ward Alderman when Mayor James Della Volpe was first elected 11 years ago.
Knapp, a Democrat, served about five years, before stepping aside in order to handle work obligations.
Ironically, it was Kolakowski who stepped in to complete his term.
Now, Knapp is returning the favor.
“It’s my way of giving back,” Knapp said of the appointment.
His immediate goals are to “keep plugging away for the city.”
He said he wants to get his feet wet on the job again before stating more goals.
Knapp, who is married with two children, is currently the grants manager for the Yale School of Medicine.
He said he has served on the city’s Charter Revision Commission and on the Inland Wetlands Commission in the past.
Fellow Aldermen welcomed his return.
“He’s got the experience,” said Alderman Joseph Jeanette. “He’s lived here a long time. He’s very concerned about the city and he cares about the city.”
Knapp said he will “most likely” run for the seat in the next municipal election, in November 2011.
