Former First Selectman Robert Koskelowski, who told the Valley Indy last week that he’s considering again for the town’s top spot, was appointed to the Seymour Board of Finance Tuesday.
In fact, he’s now the chairman.
The move comes after the abrupt resignation of former chairman Mark Thompson, a Republican who resigned from the finance board Jan. 11 after saying he had lost confidence in Democratic First Selectman Paul Roy.
Roy defeated Koskelowski for the First Selectman’s office in 2009.
The Republicans want the office back. Republican Selectman W. Kurt Miller also said he is considering challenging Roy for First Selectman.
Koskelowski’s rapid ascension from audience member to the finance board’s chair bothered Democrat Kristen Harmeling. The vote to make Koskelowski chairman was 5 – 1, with one abstention.
Harmeling was the lone dissenter.
She indicated it wasn’t proper for a new member of the board to become chairman so quickly.
“This makes me seriously consider resigning,” Harmeling said.
“Regardless of what prior experience in town he has, to chair a board he has not been a member of, it is absolutely outrageous to bring on a new member and make him the chairman directly before we start our budget season,” she said.
Koskelowski brushed aside the criticism, saying in an interview after the meeting at Town Hall that he has experience in many issues that can be quite valuable.
“These are difficult times, and my experience could be helpful,” Koskelowski said.
Koskelowski told the Valley Indy last week he wanted to see if Seymour reigns in spending before saying whether he’ll run for First Selectman again.
Since losing the election to Roy in 2009, Koskelowski has remained involved in town politics, often offering his opinions during Selectmen meetings.
After joining the board, Koskelowski gave a brief statement.
“I want to thank the board members for allowing me to serve the Town of Seymour Board of Finance,” he said. “If anybody thinks they would like to take over the chairmanship, you are more than welcome to.”
