It was a bittersweet moment for all concerned. First Selectman Kenneth A. Flatto and Selectman Sherri A. Steeneck welcomed James F. Walsh as the third member of the Towns governing body Wednesday afternoon at Independence Hall. Walsh, 45, a Republican, is filling the vacancy on the board created by the death of Ralph Bowley on April 10.
The new, and minority, member of the triumvirate was approved and introduced at the conclusion of the regular selectmen meeting. He was accompanied by his family, Susan, and 10-year-old Ben, a fourth grader at Sherman[breakhere] School.
Im so proud to be part of this administration and I think this is going to be a great team, said Town Clerk Betsy Browne, prior to administering the oath of office to Walsh.
Flatto, a Democrat who has held the Towns highest office since 2001, spoke glowingly, and warmly, of Bowleys contributions as selectman. Citing Bowleys dedication to the completion of the often-delayed, often-controversial Metro Station project, the first selectman recalled the conversation I had with Ralph four weeks ago at his house. His words were, Get this done, Im behind it, and get it done quickly.
Walsh, an attorney and partner in the Fairfield-based firm of Miller, Garrell & Walsh, LLC, was forced to relinquish his position as moderator and District 1 representative in the Representative Town Meeting. He served as chairman of the Republican Town Committee from 2004-2006, and has been a member of this body since 2000.
A town resident for more than 35 years, Walsh graduated from Boston College, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.S. degree in finance. He ranked in the top eighth of the Class of 1986. He earned a law degree from Quinnipiac University in 1992.
Away from the political arena, Walsh is a board member of the Community Theatre Foundation and has served as its general counsel since 2001. He is chair of the Legal Committee for the Greenfield Hill Village Improvement Society and formerly served on its Board of Directors (2000-2005).
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