SEYMOUR – Longtime public servant Pat Lombardi, who spent more than 25 years serving the town under three different administrations, resigned Aug. 5 from his roles as both a selectman and member of the public works board.
Lombardi told the Board of Selectpersons at its Aug. 5 meeting that it’s time to step aside.
“Speculation as to my reasoning for resigning is quite simple and let me be clear, you are hearing it from myself rather than having it played out on social media platforms, gossip or rumors,” Lombardi said. “I will be celebrating my 75th birthday and it is time for me to step aside so that others may serve.”
Lombardi said he has enjoyed serving various town roles over the years, but said at this point in his life, he wants to enjoy more time with his family.
“I just need to slow the pace and enjoy life,” Lombardi said.
Lombardi got his start in town government more than 25 years ago, having been elected to the Board of Selectpersons in 1999 under former First Selectman Scott Barton, where Lombardi served two terms.
Lombardi was elected again in 2003 under former First Selectman Robert Koskelowski, serving one term. Lombardi served three consecutive terms as deputy first selectman. He also served as chairman of the Board of Public Works for the last five years.
In 2020, Lombardi, a Republican, was tapped to fill a vacancy on the Board of Selectpersons when former First Selectman Kurt Miller left to take a job in Ansonia. First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, then a deputy first selectwoman, was named to take over for Miller. Drugonis’ vacancy was filled by Lombardi.
Lombardi is also a former fire chief, fire commissioner and president of Citizens Engine Co. No. 2, where he’s been involved for more than 40 years. He was also the former downtown traffic enforcement officer and served on several town commissions, including charter revision.
Lombardi said seeing a new police headquarters and Seymour Middle School built during his tenure were some of his proud moments.
A resident of Seymour for more than 45 years, Lombardi and his wife Dianne have two grown sons, Michael and James.
Drugonis said the Board of Selectpersons has 30 days to name a replacement for Lombardi. She said the board expects to name someone to fill the vacancy at the board’s meeting Sept. 2 or Sept. 16. Since Lombardi is a Republican, Drugonis said his replacement must be a Republican.
Drugonis said Lombardi has served Seymour well all these years.
“Pat was an invaluable resource when it came to shaping policy or developing new initiatives,” Drugonis wrote in an email to The Valley Indy. “His historical perspective consistently helped guide thoughtful, balanced decision-making. His insight, steady presence, and commitment to service will be greatly missed on the board.”