Council keeps town clerk an elected office, asks commission to add safeguards if appointment is reconsidered

The Danbury City Council voted to reject a proposal that would have converted the town clerk from an elected office to an appointed position, then asked the Charter Revision Commission to revisit the appointment model to include specific safeguards.

Councilman Hawley, who made the motion to strike the appointment language, told the committee the draft did not yet include the protections needed to justify such a structural change: "A change this significant should carry a meaningful burden of proof," he said, urging the commission to spell out term length, removal standards, transition arrangements and professional qualifications before asking voters to approve an appointment model.

Supporters of keeping the office elected cited continuity and independent accountability. Councilman Rotello said records and title searches are foundational municipal functions and that the charter should protect who keeps those records “for future administrations.” Councilwoman Jabbar and others urged the commission to consider civil-service or merit-based safeguards if an appointed model is reconsidered.

Corporation counsel noted nearby municipalities have approached the question differently — for example, Hartford and Watertown adopt distinct appointment and transition models — and recommended any shift to an appointment system include written protections for incumbents and defined removal procedures. The council carried a recommendation that the commission return with a fully detailed appointed model before any change goes to voters.

The formal motion to retain the elected status carried by roll call, 11 in favor to 8 opposed. The vote will be communicated to the Charter Revision Commission and discussed in the joint conference the council plans with the commission.

What happens next: The council transmitted its vote and amendments to the Charter Revision Commission and requested the commission produce language addressing the council27s listed concerns before the topic appears again for voter consideration.