'Honored and Humbled to Lead the Best Town in America'

This is the first in a series of stories on First Selectman Timothy Herbst's State of the Town Address.

The Murano Room of Marisa's Ristorante was packed with town officials and dignitaries on hand to listen to Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst's fourth annual State of the Town Address on Wednesday afternoon.

The event was organized by the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce, affiliated with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and sponsored by Aquarion Water Co. and Anthem.

Close to 120 attendees enjoyed a lunch buffet of penne vodka, baked scrod and Chicken Piccata.

"Every day I am both honored and humbled to lead the best town in America," Herbst said from behind the podium. "During my time as first selectman, I have had the opportunity to meet with many incredible people, who have truly exemplified courage and self-sacrifice."

Among those in attendance were Newtown First Selectwoman Patricia Llodra, Newtown Supt. of Schools Janet Robinson and Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek.

"We do a lot of things together," Vavrek said of he and Herbst. "We talk a lot and try to support each other as much as possible."

When Llodra spoke, she said Herbst's call was among the first she received after the tragic school shooting in her town on Dec. 14.

Herbst introduced Harriet Polansky, executive director of the Trumbull Housing Authority; Coleen Figliuzzi, the new director of nursing and Joseph Laucella, the new chief of the Trumbull Emergency Medical Service.

"I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate our school superintendent, Ralph Iassogna, on a distinguished 45 year career in education, the last 14 years as our school superintendent," Herbst said. "Ralph, we wish you well in your retirement."

Herbst then congratulated new superintendent, Dr. Gary Cialfi, who will take over the position on July 1.

"Dr. Cialfi, I am looking forward to working with you to move our school system forward in a positive direction," Herbst said.

The first selectman's address covered topics such as education, school security, town finances, emergency services and the economy and ended with the honoring of this year's Clarence Heimann Leadership Award recipients.

Future stories will breakdown key topics covered in Herbst's address and a pdf of the full speech is included with this story.

"We have seen firsthand the worst economic calamity since the Great Depression," Herbst said. "We have seen unparalleled weather emergencies in the wake of Irene, Alfred and Nemo, and just 12 miles away from here, all of us have been shaken by unspeakable tragedy that has hit close to home.

"Yes we have been challenged in many ways. But in the face of this challenge, I am pleased to report that the state of our town is strong and growing stronger every day."