Council refers constable appointment to ad hoc after concerns over committee process

Council members on Feb. 3 referred the proposed appointment of Michael Sofranich to an ad hoc committee after a councilman said the local party committee's recommendation was not included in meeting materials.

The legislative assistant read a communication recommending Michael Sofranich be confirmed as constable, noting he was the next-highest vote‑getter following the death of the constable-elect. Councilman Salvatore moved approval of the appointment.

Councilman Coelho objected and moved the matter to an ad hoc review, saying the Republican Town Committee —recommended a candidate and —"Ignoring it without explanation raises legitimate questions and consistency regarding transparency," and that his motion was "not personal, it's institutional." The mayor responded that because the vacancy arose from a death before swearing-in, the council decided the next-highest vote-getter was the fairest option for voters but that he would refer the procedural questions to an ad hoc panel.

The mayor named Councilman Peter Buzate to chair the ad hoc panel, with Councilwoman Andrea Gardner and Councilwoman Candace Fay serving as members. The referral pauses final action on the appointment while the panel reviews the committee process and related questions.

The council did not take a final confirmation vote on the appointment at the Feb. 3 meeting; the ad hoc committee will report back with findings and any recommendation for a future council action.