NAUGATUCK — Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi will not run for another term in office.
Rossi, a Republican who has served as deputy mayor for the past 12 years, announced on Thursday that she is not seeking re-election to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. I have been honored and humbled to have had the voters of Naugatuck’s confidence for 12 years and for their support of me. I want to thank them for that and I hope that my gratitude for that trust and faith was reflected in my level of dedication, commitment and engagement for the benefit of Naugatuck since 2003,” Rossi said.
Rossi has served as the deputy mayor for all six of her terms in office. The deputy mayor is the burgess who receives the highest number of votes.
Rossi’s announcement came a month after the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce hired her as its new membership development manager.
“Five weeks ago I had an incredible career-changing and very rare professional opportunity presented to me. It happened very quickly and required some extremely difficult decisions and due to professional requirements in my new position, I will not be running for re-election,” Rossi said.
Rossi’s new position prevents her from holding elected office.
Rossi served as deputy mayor for three mayors. For the past six years Rossi has served under Mayor Robert Mezzo, a Democrat.
Mezzo said Rossi has worked selflessly during her time as deputy mayor to make Naugatuck the community it is today.
“Deputy Mayor Rossi has been one of the most outstanding public servants that Naugatuck has ever had. Her passion, work ethic and intelligence have served Naugatuck residents well for most of this century,” Mezzo said. “I have been very fortunate to work with such a talented and compassionate person during my years as mayor. She was always willing to address difficult and challenging issues in a non-partisan manner, and work together to bring meaningful change to Naugatuck.”
Rossi said she plans to finish out the current term, which ends in December. While she will no longer serve Naugatuck as the deputy mayor, Rossi said she will continue to help the borough. Her community involvement includes working on the Juvenile Review Board, the Hillside School Governance Council and as a coach for Girls on the Run.
“I will remain ever present in the community,” Rossi said. “You can’t just walk up to a community activist and turn the switch off. I will be always involved in Naugatuck. It’s my hometown and where my heart is.”
