(Updated) Mark DeVoe, New Town Planner, Resigns After Eight Days on the Job

It’s been just eight days since Mark DeVoe took over the role as director of planning and community development in Southington, but the town will now need to undergo a second search to find a replacement for the vacant town planner position.

DeVoe submitted a letter of resignation with the town on Wednesday, citing personal reasons unrelated to the job for his decision, and will return to work in his former capacity for the town of Plainville.

“My reasons for this decision are personal in nature and in no way imply any deficiencies on the part of the Town of Southington,” DeVoe wrote. “In fact, I must state that for the short while I spent in office, all of the municipal employees I came into contact with treated me with the utmost respect and consideration.”

His last day will be Friday, July 19.

Town officials said Wednesday that DeVoe will be replaced in the interim by Assistant Town Planner Dave Lavallee, who took over in the role in December after former Southington Town Planner Mary Savage resigned.

DeVoe said in the letter that, “it is my hope that having made this decision quickly, the Town may resume its search for an appropriate candidate for this position.”

Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback is away on vacation this week and could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday evening.

Michael DelSanto, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said it’s unfortunate that the town will lose a talented planner such as DeVoe but added that he understands and respects the decision that DeVoe had to make. He said he spoke with DeVoe at length Wednesday morning but the discussion was personal and did not divulge details of their conversation.

“This means we are back to square one, but I am confident in what Dave has done and have every reason to believe he will be able to step right back into the role,” DelSanto said. “The timing will allow us to make this seamless. In the short time we had Mark, his input was extremely valuable and I respect his decision.”

Despite having ongoing discussions regarding zoning regulations in town, including those along West Street, DelSanto said he believes the town will be able to continue moving forward. He said Dave has done a lot of work already and will be able to take over without issue.

“We just need to keep moving forward. We will be looking to fill the position as a town, but in the meantime we are fortunate to have capable and talented staff already here who are willing to step in,” he said.

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