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Appointment of Antonia "Toni" Lombardi for Second District fails 6-7 after legal questions
Summary
A motion to appoint Antonia "Toni" Lombardi to fill the Second District vacancy on the Milford Board of Aldermen failed on a 6-7 roll call after debate over whether school employment disqualifies a candidate under the city charter and state law.
A motion to appoint Antonia “Toni” Lombardi to the Milford Board of Aldermen for the Second District failed on a 6-7 roll call vote at the Board of Aldermen meeting Sept. 8, 2025.
The contested appointment — listed on the agenda as the appointment of “Antonio Lombardi” to complete the unexpired term of Ward Willis — drew more than a dozen residents to speak in favor of Lombardi and prompted legal questions about whether a city charter provision bars board members who are municipal employees.
City Attorney John Bertram told the board that an older charter provision dating to 1963 is superseded by a later state law, which he cited as “Connecticut General Statute 7 dash 4 21,” and that the statute “clarifi[es] the right of the municipal employee to serve in any government body.” Bertram said that, in his view, approving the appointment would not be inconsistent with law or past practice.
Several residents urged the board to approve Lombardi, citing her volunteer work and civic involvement. Toni Lombardi, the candidate, told the board she had moved her family to Milford, works in the public schools and “believe[s] that good governance is about collaboration.” Supporters included family members and local volunteers who described her as “organized” and “a great listener.”
Alderman Aaron Pacelli called for a brief recess before the vote. When the roll call was taken, the votes were: Yes — Beattie, Federico, Haidt, Marenen, Pacelli, Vitro; No — Bevan, Casey, Fowler, Jenkins, Marlowe, Smith, Vitale. The chair announced: “6 yes, 7 no. The motion fails.”
Board members and some residents criticized the outcome later in the meeting. Alderman Vazelli said the failure to confirm the nominee left the Second District and the city “at a disadvantage,” while Alderman Maranen urged reflection on the decision.
No further vote on the Lombardi appointment occurred during the meeting. The Second District seat remained vacant following the failed motion.
