Longtime Groton Town Councilor Mick O’Beirne Resigns

Town Councilor Mick O’Beirne, Jr., who served on the council for nearly 19 years, resigned Tuesday night, saying his hearing has deteriorated and he cannot continue to serve.

“Over the last year, year and a half or so, my hearing has deteriorated very significantly,” he told his colleagues, adding that despite the best technology, “I still find that at meetings, even quiet meetings, I’m missing a fair amount of what is being said.

“Now to then go on and vote on the issues that have been discussed without hearing all of what was said, that’s just wrong. It’s unacceptable. So on that basis, I will step aside. And I thank you all.”

O’Beirne, who turns 76 next month, , Groton Zoning Commission, Water Authority Advisory Board, Regional Resource Recovery Authority, Pequot Woods and Charter Review Commission during his tenure.

“I can say it’s with a heavy heart that we see you go,” Mayor Heather Bond Somers said. “I don’t think anyone on this council wants to lose you as a member and we’re very sad that this is a choice that you have made.”

“You’re an icon on this council and I’m going to miss you,” Councilor Harry Watson said. “I knew this was coming tonight. I didn’t prepare anything. Your experience, your dedication, says it all.”

O’Beirne had a 30-year career in U.S. Navy, including service as Commanding Officer of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS George Washington Carver and Commanding Officer of the Naval Submarine Base in Kings Bay, Georgia. He was the Naval Liaison for State of Connecticut for two years.

He was also the major author and presenter on behalf of the local action group that testifed before the Base Realignment and Closure Commissions, which recommends which military bases should close.

In 2005, his presentation resulted in the BRAC overruling of the Defense Department proposal to close the Submarine Base in Groton.  

Town Clerk Betsy Moukawsher said the Town Council will now elect someone to the council seat. Since O’Beirne is a Republican, traditionally the council would consider another Republican who ran for office most recently, and who was the highest vote getter from that party.

That person would be Karen Morton, though the council could also elect someone else, Moukawsher said.