Danbury City ad hoc committee recommends Michael Safranek to fill constable vacancy

Chairman Peter Buzaid convened the Danbury City ad hoc committee at 6 p.m. Tuesday to consider the nomination of Michael Safranek to serve as Constable, a position vacant after the passing of Louise McMahon.

The committee heard from Mr. Safranek, who confirmed he is a Republican and described prior constable duties, saying he has provided delivery and other fee-waived services for the Health Department, Probate Court, Planning & Zoning for urgent deliveries, the EIC, some hospice-related deliveries and occasional State of Connecticut deliveries. “When a delivery is urgent, I use my lunch and break time,” he said, describing how he balances those duties with his city employment.

Committee members asked procedural and background questions. Member Ben Chianese asked whether Safranek performed constable services during his workday; Safranek said he is employed as the Airport Administrator and also serves as the City’s hearing officer for parking and bus-ticket appeals. Chair Buzaid and others clarified that the ad hoc’s role was to consider the nominee and that appointment procedures are governed by the City Charter (Section 2-6) and State Statute 9-220, the latter of which requires that a nominee filling this vacancy be of the same political party as the officeholder being replaced.

After the questioning period, Member Candace Fay moved, and Member Andrea Gartner seconded, a motion to recommend that the City Council appoint Michael Safranek as Constable to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Louise McMahon. The motion carried unanimously.

The committee adjourned at 6:09 p.m. The recommendation will go to the full City Council for its consideration and any formal appointment action.