Madison’s Tom Banisch Resigns From Board of Selectmen

MADISON, CT - Former Madison First Selectman Tom Banisch is resigning his seat on the current Board of Selectmen to take a job in state government in Hartford.

Banisch, who served two terms as first selectman, lost last November in what many called an upset to Democrat Peggy Lyons in his attempt for a third term.

Lyons, with 3,317 votes, got 52.48 percent of the vote and Banisch, with 3,003 votes, got 47.52 of the vote.

But the Republican Banisch won enough votes to remain on the board - a position he is now leaving.

Banisch said: “I have taken a position in Hartford and due to schedule conflicts, I will be unable to attend meetings and other Selectman events.”

Banisch said he will be working in the clerk’s office of the House of Representatives.

“It’s a very busy place during the session,” Banisch said. “Challenging and demanding - it should be a good experience.”

“I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the people of Madison over the years,” Banisch said.

Banisch’s current term on the selectmen board, which now will need to be filled, expires in November of 2021. The Republican Town Committee is expected to nominate a replacement.

Banisch served on numerous Madison committees and organizations over his decades living in town and working as a realtor before being elected first selectman four years ago.