The Board of Aldermen lost a member Tuesday night.
Tara Kolakowski, the seventh-ward representative, resigned her post in order to take a new job as the city’s government liaison.
Kolakowski started that job last week, replacing Beth Lynch as the mayor’s right hand person.
The job involves attending meetings when Mayor James Della Volpe is unable to go, fielding questions from the public and working with the city’s department heads.
Kolakowski, who owns Edible Arrangements in Derby, said she has private sector experience as a sales manager as well. She said she hopes to bring those business skills to position, which is appointed for just over one year and pays about $56,000.
“It will be an adjustment,” Kolakowski said.
She said she will miss serving on the Board of Aldermen, where she sat for seven years.
“I really enjoyed my time on the Board of Aldermen,” Kolakowski said. “Just having people call me, that I could help. You think you helped someone, but you don’t really know until the votes come in.”
With 574 votes, in November 2009, Kolakowski received the most votes in her ward and more votes than any other alderman on the board.
The board, in accepting Kolakowksi’s resignation, thanked her for her years of service.
“She will be missed,” said First Ward Alderman Robert Duffus.
The board will vote on a replacement when one is found.
Other Changes
The Board of Aldermen also accepted two other resignations during the meeting.
Christine Boulay resigned from the Cultural Commission, citing time constraints.
And James Prestiano stepped down from his post as the chairman of the Economic Development Commission and from the commission itself.
Prestiano said increasing responsibilities in his career and family life leave him without the necessary time to volunteer for the commission anymore.
The Board of Aldermen Tuesday appointed Patrick Henri, the vice chairman of the Ansonia Republican Town Committee, to the commission to fill the spot.
