Community Corner

Environmental Protection Commission Sets Tone as Chairman

Michael Tone will succeed outgoing chairman Peter Hillman, who announced his resignation in May.

In a 6-0 vote, Darien's Environmental Protection Commission chose Michael Tone as its next chairman Wednesday evening.

Tone, a Republican, succeeds outgoing chairman Peter Hillman, who announced his resignation in May after 11 years in the post.

"It's going to be difficult to follow Peter ... he's done such a sterling job," Tone said in an interview after the vote.

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Tone has been with the EPC for more than three years. While his term officially expired in 2010, commissioners are able to serve until they are replaced.

The vote was unanimous, save for Tone, who abstained. At Tone's recommendation, the EPC also selected Democrat Craig Flaherty as its vice chairman.

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was Hillman, however, who took center stage Wednesday, as fellow commissioners applauded his years of service and presented him with farewell gifts of a gavel and a St. Louis Cardinals hat.

Planning and zoning commissioners Susan Cameron and Reese Hutchison — both alumni of the EPC — also dropped in at the end of the meeting to see Hillman off.

In his resignation letter, dated May 6 and addressed to First Selectmen Dave Campbell, Hillman said it was "an opportune time to step down and allow someone else to serve."

"My EPC work has been satisfying, challenging, and educational," Hillman said, reading the letter aloud Wedenesday. He thanked current and former commissioners, staff, applicants, and experts.

"It was difficult for me to decide when would be the right time to step down, but I had some meetings earlier this year where I said, 'They're working just fine ... and I'm not indispensible,'" Hillman added later. His term had been set to expire in June of 2012.

Hillman said he hoped the vacancy created by his resignation could be filled in time for the board's next meeting, set for July 6.


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