A New Era Begins In Windsor Locks

The Windsor Locks Board of Selectmen began its new term with a Republican majority Tuesday as the members were sworn in by Town Clerk William Hamel.

One of the first changes by the two Republican members, Denise Balboni and Dennis Gragnolati, is the selection of Scott Storms as Town Attorney, replacing Chadwick and Stone. The change was approved by a 2-1 vote with First Selectman Steven N. Wawruck Jr. casting the no vote.

Balboni said Chadwick and Stone, mainly Scott Chadwick, did a fine job representing the town for the past 20 years and was always available to the selectmen. Balboni said Republican officials decided to go with Storms because he is a local attorney who has been involved in many town activities.

Storms, a member of the board of education, has served on the state board of ethics and has also served as a special master in the state court system, and a international director of the Lions Club, Balboni said.

Choosing another person for town attorney was not because Chadwick and Stone had done anything wrong, Balboni said.

“I have a great deal of respect for Chadwick,” Balboni said. “Twenty years is a long time. It really was a collective decision of many members of the Republican Town Committee.”

Wawruck said he was disappointed that the change was made.  He said he understand that it is part of the political process.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Chadwick and Stone,” Wawruck said. “They’ve served the town well in every capacity we’ve asked them to. I do know Scott Storms and I’m sure he’ll serve the town well.”

Wawruck said he was not surprised that a change was coming because things had been quiet since the election. He said he is looking forward to the next two years.

“I know the two selectmen and myself will work to make Windsor Locks a better place,” Wawruck said.