Due to complications with back surgery, James Coyle has resigned from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Inland Wetlands Board before being able to attend a meeting. He had been elected in November.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has scheduled interviews with candidates to fill the vacancy for Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 in the public meeting room of the town hall annex.
James Coyle
Under town charter the commission has 30 days to fill the vacancy, and then the authority to name a replacement is passed on to the Board of Selectmen.
Since Mr. Coyle was elected as a Democrat, his vacated seat must be filled by a member of that party.
Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Susan Cocco said Tuesday she expects the committee will offer the a recommendation — which is not binding on the commission.
“We’re sorry and hope he recovers and is back in the swing of things,” Ms. Cocco said of Mr. Coyle, who ran as for the commission last fall, having served previously on it some years back.
“There are a certainly a number of Democrats who could make outstanding contributions to the Planning and Zoning Commission,” she said, “and the Democratic Town Committee will recommend one.”
Mr. Coyle announced his resignation in a Jan. 6 letter to Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi.
“As you may have heard I had back surgery in November that unfortunately was followed by a number of serious complications,” he wrote. “As such, my recovery has been very slow. As I really need to focus on my health, I don’t feel that I can do justice to my position on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Therefore, I am resigning from the commission.”
Anyone interested in the position, or in learning more about interviewing for the vacancy, may contact Town Planner Betty Brosius at 203-431-2769.