Politics & Government

Long-term Representative Town Meeting Member to Resign

John T. Whitehead, Chair of TGS&A, hands in notice of resignation from RTM District VI.

As of 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16, the Representative Town Meeting District VI will lose a 19-year member, as John T. Whitehead, chair of the Town Government, Structure & Administration standing committee, plans to resign.

"Mr. Whitehead's resignation is a loss to the RTM," said Moderator Karen Armour. "His hard work, thoughtful insights, and in-depth knowledge of the town have offered important contributions to the body over a period of many years."

Whitehead did not give comment on his resignation. He has filed notice, dated Feb. 16, with Town Clerk Donna Rajczewski.

Armour said she was aware of Whitehead's leaving; he had called her with the news last Tuesday, the morning after the RTM Rules Committee meeting where Whitehead gave comment on behalf of TGS&A. The better part of Monday evening's conversation revolved around the amended tax abatement ordinance, and some members' frustration with the process of seeing that ordinance pass—or not.

"I had the feeling that he was generally frustrated," said Armour.

Armour, where she felt it inappropriate to put reason to Whitehead's resignation, said his leaving was not likely prompted by a single incident.

"He called me up and told me he was resigning. He didn't identify a precipitating incident. I don't know. He was finished. I don't think it was a specific thing," she said.

Unaware of the news, District VI Chair Diane Conologue had no comment with regards to Whitehead's resignation. Moving forward, she said the district will hold a caucus to fill the empty seat, per town charter.

"I probably will call the people who had run first, and ask them if they'd like to come forward," said Conologue. "There will likely be others who will step up."

District VI was contested last November with nine candidates for seven seats. With the fewest votes, incumbents Lloyd Plehaty, a longtime active member of TGS&A and Elsie Berl fell shy of re-election.

In accordance with town charter, any interested District VI voter can apply for election. Rajczewski said Whitehead's resignation does not prohibit him from running for re-election in the future—near or far.

Co-Vice Chair of TGS&A Sarah Seelye (District II) has served as acting chair of the standing committee in Co-Vice Chair Samuel Schoonmaker's absence. Seelye said Schoonmaker has been out of town, and upon his return, the two will serve as Co-Chairs of TGS&A until the group's next meeting, scheduled for March 1.

The RTM is Darien's nonpartisan legislative arm. Roughly half of the RTM's 100 members who represent the town's six district is elected each year; members serve two-year terms.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here