Deputy Mayor Al Rose Steps Down from North Branford Town Council

At the end of a lively complete with ’s trademark candid questions and remarks on Aug. 7, Rose announced his resignation from the Council effective as of midnight.

“I’ve got a lot going on in my business life that is taking up all my time,” said Rose, who owns in North Branford. “I’ve thought about this a lot. It’s trying times out there and I’ve got to focus on my business and my family.”

Rose, a Republican, said that he handed his letter of resignation in to as well as Town Clerk Lisa Valenti prior to the meeting. Members of the Council seemed surprised by the announcement with many expressing gratitude for Rose’s service.

“You’ve done a great job out here and done it for a lot of years,” said Don Fucci.

Fellow Council member Vin Caprio agreed, “You’re doing a great job and I’m sorry to see you go.”

While Rose appreciated the sentiment, he said he was confident in the Council, saying “I can step down with the eight of you that are here–we’re an awesome Council no matter what anyone thinks.”

Council member Joe Faughnan echoed the sentiments of other Council members, saying, “Being from the opposing party, I haven’t always agreed with you, you’ve brought integrity to the table;” while Rose Angeloni was quick to thank Rose for the knowledge he has shared saying she has “learned a lot from you and I truly appreciate all of the time you’ve given to the Town Council.”

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What Happens Next

This is new ground for the town, according to Town Clerk Lisa Valenti, who said the town has never been in this position before. The Town Charter states that the Town Council has 60 days to replace Rose with another Republican. The new member will fill the remainder of Rose’s term, which expires in November 2013.

As far as who will take over as deputy mayor, that question is being posed to Town Attorney John Gesmonde, though Candelora said he presumes the next-highest vote-getter from the –­–would move up.

Candelora has known Rose for most of his life and will miss working alongside his longtime friend on the Town Council.

“I’ll miss his expertise and his knowledge–being a councilor for more than 20 years, you know the charter and so many thing about the town,” said Candelora. “I’ll also miss his candidness. He was never afraid to ask a question or bring up a point.”

While Rose said he had to resign from the position now, he isn’t planning on this being the end of his town politics career.

“I’m not saying I’m going away for a real long time, but I just don’t have the time to do the job that needs to be done right now,” said Rose. “I take my hat off to all of you [members of the Town Council] and all of the volunteers in town on all of the boards and commissions.”