Town Council Appoints Maguire to Fill May's Seat

The Avon Town Council approved the appointment of Heather Maguire at its Thursday night meeting.

She will act in the position for the remainder of late Councilman Christopher May's term until the council members elected in November begin a new term in 2014

"There was consensus within the Council in appointing Heather Maguire to fill the remaining term of the late Dr. Chris May," Town Council Chairman Mark Zacchio wrote in an email to Patch. "While it was a sad reminder of a lost friend, we felt it was important to have a full council seated for the next several months as we begin to forge next years the budget." 

May was one of four Republicans on the five-person council and was nearing the end of his first term on the council when he passed away suddenly in late August.  

"I am honored and feel privileged to accept this appointment," Maguire said in a statement. "However I do so with a heavy heart. Dr. Chris May was a kind, hardworking and dedicated family man and public servant. The Town of Avon was fortunate to have him serve on the Town Council for the last two years. I will continue to keep his wife Susan and their three sons in my thoughts and prayers. I am ready to carry on in Chris' memory and do the best job I can on the Council and for the Town of Avon."

After longtime councilwoman Pamela Samul decided she would not seek re-election, the Republican Town Committee announced in July that Maguire would run for the council as part of its municipal slate.

Maguire has served on the Board of Assessment Appeals and as Roaring Brook School PTO co-president.

"I have been a resident of the Town of Avon for 15 years," Maguire said. "It is a town that I love.  I love the sense of community that we have, and the caring nature of our residents. I have always believed that one should be involved in the world around them and to make a difference where ever they can.  I, as do all that live here, want the best for their town.  We want to keep our town safe, provide the best schools, maintain our roads, and secure the best life for our children, the community and for future generations. My goals are to ensure that this continues, that we are fiscally responsible, and that we strive for nothing less than excellence."

Zacchio also noted her strong "devotion and leadership within the community" in those organizations, as well as the Avon Education Foundation, Junior Women's Club, Avon Soccer Club and boys basketball in town. 

"She has demonstrated a clear commitment to making Avon the best we can be in her 15 years as a resident," Zacchio said. "We welcome her, and look forward to working with her well into the future."