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Danbury council appoints Cheryl Wallace Smith to fill Ratchford vacancy
Summary
The Danbury City Council voted to appoint Cheryl Wallace Smith to the council vacancy left by Sean Ratchford. Supporters from the Democratic Town Committee and public commenters praised her community ties and business experience; the council approved the appointment by voice vote and administered the oath.
The Danbury City Council voted July 2 to appoint Cheryl Wallace Smith to fill the at‑large council seat left vacant by Sean Ratchford.
The council received a communication from the Danbury Democratic Town Committee endorsing Wallace Smith and then approved the appointment on a motion by Councilman Rickert, which was seconded and carried by voice vote. After the vote the council administered the oath of office.
Two public speakers urged the council to confirm Wallace Smith. Ken Gucker, of 89 Peyton Arum Road, told the council he believed she was “probably the best person I think you could put in that position,” citing her community involvement and business experience working with Webster Bank. Larry Reifberg, speaking for the Danbury Democratic Town Committee, said the appointment represented “an unbelievably fabulous opportunity to elect a Black woman to serve on the city council” and urged members to support her selection.
Mayoral communications and council members noted Wallace Smith’s background in banking, her community engagement and that her grandchild attends Stanbury Public Schools. Council members offered congratulations after the vote.
The oath was administered immediately following the vote; the council’s announcement called the appointment effective upon the swearing‑in. No roll‑call vote tally was recorded; the motion carried by voice vote.
