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Sports blog: Warrior Nation

By TOM EVANS

Times Staff Writer


STAMFORD -- The Zoning Board broke from more than 10 years of Democratic leadership to elect a Republican as chairman at its regular meeting Monday night.

The addition of Republican Barry Michelson to the board earlier in July prompted the vote for the new chairman, a seat now occupied by Republican Audrey Cosentini after a 3-2 vote.

An election for the chairman post is conducted, by all boards, when a new member joins.

Incumbent Harry Parson was nominated for re-election by Democrat Maria Nakian. Democrat David Stein broke from party ranks and supported Cosentini, swinging the vote to the longest-tenured Zoning Board member.

"As a Louisiana boy, I'm emotional," Parson said in measured tones before the vote. "I'm not sad about leaving the leadership position. The most important thing we are doing is supporting this board. I specifically want to extend my thanks for a great 12 years with Mrs. Cosentini. Mrs. Cosentini asked me to be secretary under her chairmanship, but I nominate Mrs. Nakian to be secretary."

Nakian, who was re-elected as board secretary in a separate vote, supported Parson staying on in the role he held since last year.

"Harry has served on the Zoning Board for 12 years, and been chairman since 2009," Nakian said. "I have seen Harry has fulfilled this role with honesty, patience, integrity and hard work. It's an honor to serve with him, and I nominate him to continue."

After the two votes, Parson was ready to get down to business with a board that has several major construction and development projects to consider in the coming months and years.

"We must move on," Parson said. "This city cannot get bogged down in gobbledy-gook."

Cosentini, a 15-year veteran of the board, feels the transition will be smooth.

"Harry has always been pleasant to work with, and I consider him a good friend," Cosentini said.

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