Council To Pick A New Chairman

By Steve Bigham

Don Studley is expected to become the next chairman of the Legislative Council, filling the vacancy left by the sudden resignation of Pierre Rochman earlier this month.

Mr Rochman resigned abruptly following the council’s decision to send the controversial town charter changes to the voters in November. Mr Rochman had adamantly opposed these changes in the weeks and months leading up to the council vote.

The council will elect its new chairman at its regular meeting next Wednesday (October 3). Another prospective candidate for the council chairmanship, Will Rodgers, told The Bee this week that he would not be seeking the position. In addition to being an attorney, Mr Rodgers also serves as a Lt Colonel in the Marine Reserves and in light of the recent terrorist attacks, said he may not have the time to commit to a chairmanship.

Mr Studley is a key member of the council’s finance committee. He is a longtime Newtown resident and a certified public accountant in Danbury.

Legislative Council Vice Chairperson Melissa Pilchard has been chairing the meetings since Mr Rochman resigned. She recently announced, however, that she and her husband, Chuck, are moving out of town at the end of October. Council rules also state that an election for chairman is to be held soon after the former chair has resigned.

The newly elected chairman will serve only until the end of the year.

Newtown Republicans have chosen longtime resident Bill Meyer to fill the vacancy on the Legislative Council left by the September 6 resignation of Mr Rochman.

Mr Meyer, a longtime member of the Police Commission, was picked at a September 16 caucus of the Republican Town Committee. Mr Meyer will serve out Mr Rochman’s term, which is up at the end of the year.

Mr Meyer also happens to be a candidate for the Legislative Council and is hoping to get elected in November.