Date: Fri 14-Aug-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Joe-Bojnowski-Rosenthal

Full Text:

Newtown's Second Selectman Fills In For The Vacationing Boss

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal is vacationing this week in Georgia, reportedly

visiting a handful of Civil War battlefield sites. Herb, like his father

former First Selectman Jack Rosenthal, is a history buff, especially when it

comes to the Civil War.

During his absence, Selectman Joe Bojnowski has taken over the role of first

selectman, though his duties are rather limited.

"I don't see a need to physically be at town hall every day, but I'm staying

close to home," Mr Bojnowski said.

According to the town statutes, the first selectman must appoint one of the

town selectmen to serve as the town's leader while he is out of town for an

extended period of time or if he should become incapacitated. Being Mr

Rosenthal's fellow Democrat on the board, Mr Bojnowski was the logical choice.

Mr Bojnowski was at town hall Wednesday afternoon signing a land use document,

but, other than that, he'll simply stay within a phone call's distance of the

office staff, he said.

"Jan [Andras] can call me day or night if there is an emergency or special

situation," he said. "So far, there haven't been any catastrophes."

Mr Bojnowski did meet with Public Works Director Fred Hurley this week

regarding the report recently done on the agency. Mr Hurley has plans to make

improvements, and Mr Bojnowski said he plans to support public works every

step of the way.

Mr Bojnowski said he enjoys his role as the town's "second selectman,"

especially in this pivotal time. There is the pending decision on the fate of

Fairfield Hills, the municipal space needs study and, of course, the

much-talked about issue of development. Mr Bojnowski serves on the town's

recently-formed land use task force.

Mr Rosenthal and his wife, Michelle, are due back on Monday. Mr Rosenthal has

to return for the Board of Selectmen meeting, while Mrs Rosenthal must report

for jury duty.