Selectman
vacancy
filled by
E. Chase
POMFRET —  The Pomfret Board of Selectmen’s vacancy has been filled.  First Selectman Maureen Nicholson, a Democrat, nominated Ellsworth Chase, a Republican, to fill the vacancy created by Republican Pam Lewerenz’s resignation on March 31.  
Selectman Patrick McCarthy (D) seconded the nomination and Chase was approved unanimously.
The three-member board of Nicholson, McCarthy, and Lewerenz was elected in November 2017.  The vacancy had to be filled by a Republican due to the make-up of the board and because the seat was vacated by a Republican.  All three members of the board will be up for election in November 2019.
  “I am looking forward to working with Ellsworth.  I have known him for years and he has a history of community involvement and volunteering; he will represent the citizens of Pomfret fairly, respectfully, and understands Pomfret.  He will be a great asset to the board,” said Nicholson.
Chase, a graduate of Pomfret Community School, grew up on a family farm in Pomfret that dates back to 1800s.  He left Pomfret in 1969 to pursue a career in sales and service with Technology Service Companies. He lived in five Connecticut counties, traveled throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia before retiring in 2009 and returning to the family homestead.
Since coming home to Pomfret Chase has been active in a Planning and Zoning study committee, a startup member and chairman of the Pomfret Agricultural Commission, a member of the Pomfret Lions, an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and a member of the Pomfret Republican Town Committee.  Married to Patty since 1967, the Chases have three grown children and five grandsons.   
Several residents expressed interest in filling the vacancy. “I am glad we opened it up and gave people the opportunity to think about getting involved,”  said  Selectman McCarthy. “Our community depends on citizen involvement and volunteerism. We need to encourage more residents to get involved to make our town the best it can be.”
Ellsworth Chase will be sworn in and his first official meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 7 at the Pomfret Community Senior Center.