Personal reasons lead to resignation of town clerk

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Former Beacon Falls Town Clerk Kurt Novak, left, seen above in 2007, has resigned for personal reasons. –CONTRIBUTED

BEACON FALLS — The town’s longtime town clerk has resigned from his elected position, saying he wants to devote his attention to family and personal matters.

Kurt Novak, a Republican who has served in that position since 2002, submitted his resignation March 15. It took effect the following day. In the letter, he stated that it’s with “mixed emotions” that he informs the Board of Selectmen of his decision.

“Recent personal and profound events in my life have made it impossible for me to give the town clerk’s office the attention it requires and deserves,” he wrote. “The recent unexpected death of my younger sister and the deterioration of my elderly parent’s health have added to my already full plate. At this time, I need to give my family and personal matters my undivided attention.”

The Board of Selectmen will appoint Novak’s successor at 6 p.m. on Monday at Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave. The candidate will finish out Novak’s term, which will expire with the November 2013 municipal election, First Selectman Gerard Smith said.

Smith thanked Novak for his years of service.

Smith said he has received two letters from residents who have expressed interest to serve. They are Jeremy Rodorigo, a Republican who is one of three assistant town clerks and serves as spokesman for Beacon Hose Company No. 1, and Region 16 Board of Education Chair Priscilla Cretella, an unaffiliated voter who has served on the school board for 25 years.

In his letter, Novak stated that over the past 10 years, the town clerk’s office has evolved and grown into a more valued resource within the community.

“Together, we have embraced technology, processes and procedures which have resulted in greater efficiency and lower operating costs,” he wrote. “I am proud of these accomplishments in the office.”

Novak in the letter thanked those with whom he worked in the office, stating that without them, the office would not be the “fine asset it is.” He extended thanks as well to his friends and supporters, and even those he had a less than supportive relationship with.

“For those with whom I have had conflict over the years, your opinions and ideas have brought me knowledge and insight,” he stated. “This has made me a better person.”