Background
In January of 2006, Sarah Elmore announced that she would resign from her position as Tax Collector for personal reasons. Sarah won the position in the May 5, 2005, election and had taken office on July 1, 2005. We know that Sarah was just getting settled into the position, and the decision must have been a hard one for her. Her resignation became effective on March 3rd. We wish her well.
When an elected position becomes vacant, the Board of Selectmen must appoint a temporary replacement if necessary to maintain the functions of the office. The state statutes provide for the calling of a special election by either the Board of Selectmen or by the application of twenty electors of the town. Twenty electors applied for the special election and the date was set by the Board of Selectmen for July 24, 2006.
Subsequently, Democrat Town Committee endorsed David Forman as a candidate for the permanent position, and a caucus of registered republicans endorsed N H "Skip" Borgerson Jr. If either of them is challenged, a primary will be held on May 29th.
Why a special election?
It was possible to just leave the temporary appointment in place and wait 16 months until the next election to fill the position. So why was the special election called?
Since Sarah had barely been in office for six months when she announced that she would resign, and almost three quarters of the term was yet to go, it seemed that a special election was the appropriate route. It turns out that, according to state statute, a special election takes about five months from start to finish. Even with that, there is almost a year left in the term when the newly elected person will take office.
Why Skip Borgerson?
Following their February meeting, the Republican Town Committee interviewed five qualified people for the candidacy. At the March meeting, Skip Borgerson was unanimously chosen as the recommended candidate, and on April 5th a caucus of registered republicans confirmed the choice and endorsed him as their candidate.
Skip has been a resident Bethany for over 40 years. He served as chairman of our Planning and Zoning Commission for over 14 years. He put his zoning knowledge to use by serving as an alternate on the Board of Zoning Appeals before becoming appointed Treasurer in November 2002. While serving as Treasurer he set in motion improvements to the town's accounting system and procedures, and restructured the general fund deposits so as to double the annual income from one half of it. His public life has been marked with success in every undertaking. He has worked in a bipartisan environment in every instance. What is best for Bethany has been his goal, and Bethany is better off for his service.
In his private life, Skip was CEO of a 100 employee manufacturing firm in West Haven before joining as a partner in a startup employee benefit consulting firm. He has been self employed since 1980 in the benefits field, and is now semi retired.
Public service has always been a very important part of Skip's life. He has served as officer and/or board member of numerous professional, civic, and community organizations. He was a key member in the creation of a new bank in New Haven, and a trustee for 16 years of a private educational institution.
Skip has the compassion, skills, and knowledge to make a great tax collector!
Vote for Skip on JULY 24TH
Polls open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
See Newspaper Articles & Other Material
Two Vie for Tax Collector's position -- Amity Observer, June 15, 2006