Mcginnis sworn in for West Hartford

Davidoff replacement gives council ‘majority of women’ for 1st time

Tiffani Mcginnis was sworn in on Wednesday night to replace West Hartford town councilman Leon Davidoff, who resigned from the council Feb. 28 to become town clerk.

Mcginnis, vice chair of West Hartford Democrats, will serve until Nov. 21. The next general election is Nov. 7.

The vote to approve Mcginnis was unanimous. She was sworn in to office by Essie Labrot, the town clerk who will be succeeded by Davidoff after she retires on April 6.

Mayor Shari Cantor commented after Mcginnis’ swearing-in “On International Women’s Day, the council has for the first time a majority of women.”

At the council’s Feb. 28 meeting, Davidoff was lavishly praised by fellow council members and a General Assembly delegation for his service to the town. This included 16 years on the council, four of them as deputy mayor, and seven years on the planning and zoning commission.

Colleagues poked fun at Davidoff ’s lengthy testimonies in meetings but expressed admiration for his integrity.

“Leon Davidoff is a wonderful listener who works to find consensus and common ground with stability and decency and is a highly respected elected official,” Mayor Shari Cantor said. “Town council meetings have been more meaningful and yes, a bit longer because of Leon.”

Councilman Alberto Cortes said he respected Davidoff’s insistence on putting his opinions on the record.

“Sometimes it’s 22 minutes of ‘on the record.’ I wish it would be shorter sometimes. But I understand the importance and that shows your love for our community,” Cortes said.

Others focused on Davidoff ’s tendency to search for bipartisan solutions.

“I often refer to Leon as a statesman, because he exemplifies a leader who promotes the public good, reaches across the council table and possesses all the necessary qualities to govern,” Carol Blanks said.

Cantor read a town proclamation thanking Davidoff for his service. State Sen. Derek Slap and State Rep. Kate Farrar also presented a commendation for Davidoff. It had been introduced in the General Assembly by them and other members of West Hartford’s coalition: Jillian Gilchrest, Bobby Gibson and Tammy Exum.

In 16 years and 321 council meetings, Davidoff missed only one: On March 13, 2012, the day his mother died.

“We have made a difference in shaping our community,” Davidoff said at the Feb. 28 meeting. “While we have not always agreed, I’ve listened to your viewpoints and at times have seen things in a different light.”

Before moving to West Hartford, Davidoff, 60, was on the Newington Town Council. A former Republican, Davidoff switched parties to Democrat while serving on the council in West Hartford. With his sister Susan, he also owns The Paper Station, a stationery and gift shop in Newington.