New Town Council Chairman Elected In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Unlike two years ago, the Wallingford Town Council elected its new chairman on the same night that elected officials were sworn into office.

Mayor Vincent Cervoni was sworn into his second term of office, along with recently elected members of the Town Council and the Board of Education, at Monday night’s swearing-in ceremony in the Robert F. Parisi Council Chambers at Town Hall.

Longtime Democratic Councilor Vincent Testa was also elected as the council’s new chairman by a 7-1 vote. Republican Craig Fishbein voted no, and Testa abstained from the vote.

In 2024, the council failed to elect a new chairman by the end of the night. Following several rounds of votes and debate, that night ended with a 3-3-3 deadlock, with Republican Councilors Tom Laffin and Joe Marrone vying with Testa for the council leadership role. The council ultimately elected Marrone as the new chairman three days later.

Marrone lost his bid for re-election, and Democrats gained a 5-4 majority on the council in the November municipal election to set up a change in the council’s leadership.

While the vote lacked the drama of the 2024 chairman election, Fishbein made a surprise nomination for Democrat Samuel Carmody as the new chairman. The motion wasn’t seconded and failed. Carmody was later unanimously approved as the council’s vice chairman.

Carmody had nominated Testa for chairman, saying he “brings substantial experience and municipal service.”

“He has served Wallingford in several roles, including on the Inland Wetlands Commission, the Board of Education, and this council, including as vice chairman,” Carmody said. “His background as an educator also brings a thoughtful and practical perspective to how he approaches governance and decision-making.

“The role of chairman carries real responsibility for how this council functions. It requires respect for process, ability to manage discussion, and a steady hand to ensure the work of the council continues to move forward.”

Carmody said Testa understands the responsibilities associated with the role, and “has been engaged in the issues facing Wallingford for many years.”

“I know he cares deeply about this community and its future,” Carmody said.

Fishbein said selecting the new chairman for this council was probably much different than people would have expected a year ago.

“Many people thought it would be a Republican majority once again, and we are here doing what we are doing, and essentially we are not only selecting the chairman of the council, but also, under our charter, the deputy mayor,” Fishbein said. “And when I look at that, I take that very seriously.”

Fishbein said that for the seven council members who were re-elected, their previous terms have been an “audition” for the chairman position. When selecting someone for the position, Fishbein said he looks at four characteristics – experience, temperament, attendance, and service above self.

Fishbein said Testa obviously has the experience, but claimed the temperament and respect for process hasn’t been there at times. He also said Testa “hardly ever” attends an ordinance meeting and “rarely goes” to budget workshops.

And for “service above self,” Fishbein criticized Testa for voting for himself at the re-vote for council chairman two years ago when it was known that it was going to be Marrone. In the final vote, Carmody and Democrat Jesse Reynolds broke the deadlock and voted for Marrone to give him the required five votes. Laffin was supported by Republicans Autumn Allinson and Christopher Regan, and Testa voted for himself.

After Fishbein’s motion failed, Testa was elected as the new council chairman on Monday night.

“I am very honored by this,” Testa said. “I have served with a number of council chairs over the years. All strong leaders in their own right. Jim Vumbaco, Mike Brodinsky, Bob Parisi, for whom this chamber is named. Our mayor, Vincent Cervoni, and most recently Joe Marrone. I hope I’ve learned a bit from all of them, and serve in a way that’s worthy of your trust and your support.

“I especially want to thank Joe for his gracious overtures of assistance in this transition. He reached out to me, and he’s been extremely helpful, but this is not surprising. Chairman Marrone is a good man, he’s got integrity and character, and I’m truly grateful to him for his help.”

Testa said he is looking forward to “working productively and collaboratively” with the council members and the administration as “we address the many challenges that are facing us.”

“Everyone up here brings a skillset and a perspective that will be valuable and integral to our success as a group,” Testa said. “And let there be no doubt that it is only as a group that we will be successful. Our neighbors, the people of our community, have entrusted us with awesome responsibility. I will do my best to assure that we get the job done. Knowing all of you as I do, I am confident that we will.”

Watch the full swearing-in ceremony and meeting below: