Ad hoc committee recommends Michael Sefranick to fill Danbury constable vacancy

Peter Bizaid, chair of an ad hoc committee of Danbury City convened to consider a constable appointment, opened the meeting and introduced the committee and the nominee, Michael Sefranick, whom he described as a longtime constable and a current hearing officer for the city and at the airport. Bizaid read the notice that the panel was assembled to consider a nomination to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Veil McMahon.

Sefranick told the committee he is “currently registered as a Republican,” a detail the committee noted is relevant under state law requiring a vacancy to be filled by a same-party replacement. Committee members asked Sefranick about his work for city departments; he said he performs pro bono work for the health department, the probate office, planning and zoning when immediate orders are needed, hospice services and other city needs. “I don't charge the city for any work I have ever done,” Sefranick said.

Committee members raised procedural and practical questions. Councilman Coelho said his interest was in why the nomination was removed from the prior council agenda and sent to the ad hoc committee; Chair Bizaid responded that procedural questions about the council agenda were beyond the ad hoc committee’s purview and pointed to the city charter (section 2-6) and the state statute governing vacancies (section 9-220) as the controlling authorities. Another member asked whether the vacancy must remain with the same party; Bizaid said the statute requires the vacancy be filled by a Republican if the vacated seat had been held by a Republican.

Councilman Chinnis asked whether Sefranick’s other city duties — he described himself as the airport administrator and a hearing officer — would prevent him from performing constable work during city hours. Sefranick said it depends on urgency; for urgent matters he will pause other duties and work immediately, and he said he can and has waived statutory fees at his discretion in past cases, particularly for elderly residents.

A committee member moved to recommend that the city council appoint Michael Sefranick as constable to fill the vacancy; a second followed. Members voiced their support and the chair closed the meeting and adjourned. The recommendation will be forwarded to the full city council for final action.