Politics & Government
Getting to Know Your New Selectman, Michelle Ecsedy
Woodbury's new selectman weighs in on her political affiliation, a petition for special election challenging her seat, and shares a bit about her background.
Michelle Ecsedy was named Selectman on Thursday by First Selectman Bill Butterly and Selectman Martin Overton to fill the vacant seat left on the Woodbury Board of Selectmen by Gerald Stomski.
So who is Michelle Ecsedy?
An Account Executive for RML Inc., Ecsedy earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance from UConn in 1987. She's lived in Woodbury for 24 years, and has served on several fundraising committees, as president of the Mitchell Elementary School PTO from 2004-06, and as Treasurer for Woodbury's political slate committee for the 2011 election.
Patch caught up with Ecsedy via email to ask her a few questions. Here's how it went:
What motivated you to register as a Republican after being an independent voter for so many years? Are there specific issues or platforms that led to a change in viewpoint for you?
I was an Unaffiliated voter and always knew that when the time came, I would affiliate with a party to participate in my town’s governance. After the election of Bill Butterly, I decided to attend the Republican Town Committee meeting on Nov. 21 and received a warm welcome. Speakers that evening mentioned the party needing to unite as one and not splintering, but working together.
There was also an effort to bring in new members. I have considered participating in our town government for years. When the elected Selectman declined to accept the position, I registered and applied through the RTC Candidate Recruitment Committee for the position. I also applied directly with the Board of Selectman for the appointment.
What are the top three issues you would like to focus on as a Selectman?
Currently, I am listening. I was honored to be appointed to the position of Selectman, and I am finding that the people of Woodbury are excited to have a fresh face and person to express their concerns and ideas to.
I support Bill Butterly’s campaign idea to empower the town employees, restore morale and reduce micromanagement, as well as the much overdue revision of our Charter.
I would like to see more town residents feel included and welcome to join the process of running our town, through boards and commissions.
Find out what's happening in Woodbury-Middleburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the Town Clerk, petitions have been taken out to force a special Election for the seat you took. How do you feel about that, and will you run if enough signatures are obtained?
The process needs to happen. The two elected and sitting Board of Selectman had the obligation to appoint the position. I am happy to meet with and work with the Woodbury RTC, whether there is a special election called or not.
What do you want Woodbury voters who might not be well acquainted with you to know?
I love our town of Woodbury and have been involved in various forms for years. I was concerned to see the tone in town decline recently. We need to treat each other respectfully and work together to bring more business into town, invite more residents to get involved, and manage the town with fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
