Board of Reps Appoints Two New Members

president Randall M. Skigen swore in two new members Monday night.

Elise Coleman was appointed by the Board to replace Linda Cannady (D-3), who resigned last month because of her decision to move out of the city's 3rd district.

"This was amazing for me," Coleman told Patch. "I'm always talking and complaining about politics and the decisions people make, and my family would always say 'You should go into politics,' and I would say, 'No, it's not going to make a difference. I've never not voted, so if my vote counts, then my voice counts. And that's why I'm here."

Demetrios Frazis was also appointed by the Board to fill the seat vacated by Michael Molgano (R-16), who resigned to serve as state representative for the 144th district.

"My belief is that whatever my constituents dictate, I will be their instrument to carry it out," he told Patch. "That's my goal."

Board members gave Molgano, who attended the meeting, a standing ovation and presented him with two cakes — one to celebrate his birthday, and the other, Skigen joked, "in recognition of his new role and, I guess, a bribe to make sure Stamford gets all that it needs while he's in Hartford."

"I'd like to recognize Mike Molgano for the outstanding job he's done representing the citizens of two different districts in the city," board member Harry Day said at the meeting. "He's composited an outstanding record. He is an amazing person, his life is a story of triumph and achievement, and I regard him as a hero. He's been a great friend to me and great friend to all of us, and I'd just like to wish him well in Hartford on behalf of all us."

Molgano served on the board between November 2002 and January 2009 and was re-elected in November 2009. He was co-chair of the Education Committee and also served on the Steering and State & Commerce committees.

Cannady began serving on the Board in 1999. She served on various committees, including the Parks and Recreation, Fiscal and Personnel.