Newington council unanimously appoints Jonathan Alel as town manager

The Newington Town Council voted unanimously on July 30 to appoint Jonathan Alel as the town's next town manager, effective Aug. 12, 2024.

The council adopted a resolution citing section C501 of the Newington Town Charter that directs the mayor and the council leadership to execute a negotiated employment contract and file a copy with the town clerk. Mayor John Trist presented the resolution, which was seconded by the Deputy Mayor, and the council carried the motion by a roll-call vote.

Councilors praised the council's search process and said it produced a consensus choice. "We did a thorough search," Councilor Paige said, adding the council had listened to residents and built consensus on the selection. Several other council members echoed thanks to the search committee and to Acting Town Manager Jamie Trevian for her work during the interim period.

Members of the public who spoke during the meeting also welcomed the appointment. Brian Way, speaking on behalf of the Fire Department, said the department looked forward to assisting the incoming manager. Resident David Horgan and others said they appreciated the steps the council took in the selection process.

Jonathan Alel thanked the crowd and the council, saying he felt supported by the community and looked forward to starting. "Newington checks all the boxes — it's a great place to live, work and play," Alel said, and noted he wished to avoid confusion with the mayor's shared first name by identifying himself as "Jonathan" during the transition.

The resolution requires the final negotiated employment contract be attached to the resolution and filed in the office of the town clerk; the council voted that the mayor and majority and minority leaders be authorized to execute the contract. Alel is set to begin work on Aug. 12, 2024; the council and staff said they will coordinate a transition and a public welcome.

The council adjourned after completing its agenda.