Where is the First Selectman?

Darien residents want to know: where is First Selectman Campbell, and why did he leave town during a time of crisis?

"I didn't think the problem was out of control. When I got out here to Utah and realized it was dicey with CL&P, all the flights had been canceled," said Campbell.

It was Sunday morning when Campbell handed over the reins to Acting First Selectman David Bayne and hopped a flight across country to Utah. Plans to celebrate his wife's birthday there had been made months in advance, he said. And where he'd experienced the wrath of storm through the Saturday overnight, Campbell said the extent of the devastation was still unknown.

"I toured part of the town. I knew it was pretty bad," said Campbell. "I didn't realize how bad it was."

Since Sunday, Campbell said he's been in close contact with local officials, gauging the progress and offering advice where he sees fit. He plans to return on Thursday afternoon—his Darien home never lost power and also has a generator—and head straight to Town Hall.

"Then I'll have to deal with the damage to my office—drip dry all my paperwork," he said.

Bayne said that the role of the First Selectman is especially important in a time like this.

"The town is looking for somebody to take control, confront the crisis, and tell people that things are going to be okay," said Bayne.

Bayne said he has exchanged emails with Campbell and that he has been in close communication with Selectman Jerry Nielsen and Selectman Jayme Stevenson.

"Jayme and Jerry have been great, and we've made some important decisions together," said Bayne. "I have not been in contact with Dave."

Selectman Callie Sullivan returned from vacation this afternoon, said Bayne.

Stevenson said that she has been in close contact with Campbell, who is fully aware of the crisis at home.

"He's an astute businessman," said Stevenson. "You know, you manage from wherever you are."

With regards to the "progress at home," Campbell said he is thoroughly impressed with the town's response and less than pleased with Connecticut Light & Power.

"I've got a few ideas that I might want to do with clean up; but we can't do anything without CL&P doing heir job. I didn't realize CL&P was going to behave like they did."

Bayne said that rating CL&P's performance is irresponsible at present. Thousands are still without power, he said.

"What's important right now is getting power back and reassuring people that things are going to get better," Bayne said.

Campbell said he looks forward to returning on Thursday and getting the town "back in order."

"It's going to take time, but we'll get there," said Campbell. "I have a few ideas up my sleeves."