Woycik Steps Down From Council Seat

By John Voket

While the notice was not official until being filed with the town clerk, Republican District 2 Legislative Council member Richard Woycik notified his colleagues via an e-mail August 3 that he is resigning his seat and will not be among several incumbents seeking reelection this November.

According to council Chairman Jeff Capeci, the Republican Town Committee has 30 days to put forward a replacement. He told The Bee that the replacement will likely be one of the party’s current candidates for office.

Dan Weidemann is the only newcomer to the ballot in District 2, along with incumbents Mary Ann Jacob and Kathryn Fetchick, so he will presumably be the prime candidate to fill the vacancy, Mr Capeci said.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Woycik said a number of events over the past several months, as well as those of recent weeks, led him to decide he can no longer effectively advocate for the constituents of District 2, as well as the residents of Newtown at large.

“This has been a difficult decision for me,” Mr Woycik stated.

The departing official went on to note that one of the most important issues facing Newtown is its fiscal future.

“These issues are being further exacerbated by the deteriorating economic conditions at the town, state, and national level,” Mr Woycik wrote. “During my tenure I have focused on fiscal responsibility. I have advocated for those residents most affected by these economic conditions; those on fixed income, underemployed and unemployed.”

Mr Woycik wrote that he would like to have been more successful in his efforts, “however, this was not to be. Nevertheless, I leave knowing that I gave it my best effort.”

“Richard was frustrated thinking he didn’t have an impact, but he did bring concerns to the council who were sympathetic supporters,” Mr Capeci said. “He will be missed.”

Following the announcement Wednesday evening, Councilman Kevin Fitzgerald echoed Mr Capeci’s sentiments, adding that Mr Woycik struck a balance of fiscal conservancy that extended to both the school and municipal sides of the town budget.