Nielsen, Stevenson Named Acting First Selectmen

Selectmen Jerry Nielsen and Jayme Stevenson will tag-team the position of Acting First Selectman over the next two weeks following a vote occasioned by Dave Campbell's imminent travel plans.

Campbell announced at Monday night's Board of Selectmen meeting that he would be vacationing in Canada from Aug. 3 through Aug. 14. In anticipation of his absence, he moved to nominate Nielsen as Acting First Selectman from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6, and Stevenson from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14.

After a brief discussion, the three selectmen—joined also by David Bayne and Callie Sullivan—unanimously approved the measure.

In March, Campbell faced criticism after leaving Darien during the start of a severe storm that toppled trees and knocked out power for thousands of residents. Though he had been in town during the initial wave of wind and rain, Campbell took his wife on a planned trip to Utah the next morning to celebrate her birthday.

Despite staying in remote contact with officials—including then-Acting First Selectman David Bayne—Campbell ultimately cut his vacation short and returned to Darien. He later apologized for his absence.

Largely in response, the board revised the guidelines for the transfer of power in April. Under the changes, the First Selectman is required to give 72-hour advance email notification to the board when leaving town and to communicate all directives to the Acting First Selectman. In return, that designee is expected to update the First Selectman on key issues whenever possible.