Appointments Committee Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Appointments Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Democratic Caucus Room and via Zoom. Co-Chairs Felix Gardner and Steven Shore led the meeting, with committee members Representatives Bradford, Camporeale, Hill, Hyatt, Weathers, and Weinberg present (7 members, quorum achieved). Representative Pavia was absent. Also in attendance were Representatives Morson and Walston. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. The committee interviewed 10 nominees for reappointment or new appointments to the Environmental Protection Board, Parking Violation Hearing Officers, and Fire Commission. All but one item (Laura Tessier, unable to attend) were approved unanimously by a vote of 7-0.

Discussion Items

• Rules Suspension (Item 10 – Michael Hyman, Fire Commission): The committee unanimously (7-0) suspended the rules to interview Michael Hyman first, as he had a prior commitment. Hyman, a former DCC treasurer, expressed his commitment to fire department governance and public safety, including training, equipment, and community education. He cited his personal gratitude for the fire department’s response during a blizzard. Committee members praised his volunteer service.
• Rules Suspension (Item 6 – Maria Linares, Fire Commission): The committee unanimously (7-0) suspended the rules to interview Maria Linares second. Linares, a reappointment candidate, discussed the condition of the downtown firehouse (elevator needs updating) and assessed department morale as positive. She noted the strong relationship between volunteer and paid firefighters, attributing it to leadership addressing issues promptly. She advised new commissioners to get to know the staff and understand the city’s needs. Committee members asked about her major contributions and what she learned; she emphasized the depth of certifications and training required.
• Item 2 – Leigh Shemitz (Environmental Protection Board): Shemitz, a reappointment candidate, discussed the proposed conservation commission, expressing support for its concept but noting that regulatory work often takes precedence on the EPB. She highlighted the importance of consistent decision-making and the tension between environmental protection and development. She also touted the city’s environmental stewardship, particularly student education through Soundwaters, and mentioned opportunities for reopening clam beds. Committee members praised her expertise.
• Item 3 – Lori Longo Legierse (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Legierse, a reappointment candidate with 18 years of experience, described her approach: listening to appellants, checking signage, and remaining impartial. She noted that most violations are human errors. She advised that candidates should be open-minded, tolerant of angry people, and willing to go the extra mile to inspect locations. Committee members thanked her for her service and for recruiting other candidates.
• Item 4 – Marni Marantz (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Marantz, a new candidate recruited by Legierse, shared her juvenile court experience and emphasized the importance of making people feel heard. She expected to handle emotional situations and follow the law. Committee members expressed confidence in her nomination.
• Item 5 – Robert Willis (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Willis, a new candidate, described his work with Catholic Charities and his legal background. He introduced the concept of “gray rock” – remaining impassive when dealing with upset individuals. He also discussed his passion project of rehabilitating neglected properties in Stamford and providing below-market rents, even helping a tenant’s family from Ukraine. Committee members were impressed by his compassion.
• Item 7 – Linda Darling (Fire Commission): Darling, a new candidate and retired principal, discussed her leadership in education and her commitment to public safety. She emphasized the importance of fair, transparent hiring processes and the role of firefighters as role models for children. She also noted the need for defibrillators in public spaces and supported co-locating fire and police headquarters. Committee members appreciated her perspective.
• Item 8 – Stephen Canna (Fire Commission): Canna, a new candidate, detailed his work with the Stamford Police Foundation (including a gun tip line) and his background as a tax attorney. He expressed willingness to learn about the fire commission and asked about facilities for female firefighters. Committee members noted his problem-solving skills.
• Item 9 – John Dulski (Fire Commission): Dulski, a new candidate and lifelong Stamford resident, expressed interest in learning about fire department operations, including new challenges like lithium battery fires. He suggested building community relationships with youth and seeking corporate donations for defibrillators. Committee members discussed the importance of firefighters living locally and the possibility of tax abatements for volunteers.

Key Outcomes

• Item A32.045 – Laura Tessier (Environmental Protection Board): No action taken because Tessier could not attend; she will participate via Zoom next month.
• Item A32.046 – Leigh Shemitz (Environmental Protection Board): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.047 – Lori Longo Legierse (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.048 – Marni Marantz (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.049 – Robert Willis (Parking Violation Hearing Officer): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.050 – Maria Linares (Fire Commission): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.051 – Linda Darling (Fire Commission): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.052 – Stephen Canna (Fire Commission): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.053 – John Dulski (Fire Commission): Approved 7-0.
• Item A32.054 – Michael Hyman (Fire Commission): Approved 7-0.

All appointments will be forwarded to the full Board of Representatives for final approval at the August 6, 2026 meeting.