Candlewood Lake Authority elects new chair
The Candlewood Lake Authority unanimously elected Marianne Gaffey as its new chairperson and promoted others recently.
The board voted Gaffey in as the new chairperson and elected Joan Archer as vice-chairperson. Gaffey and Archer will fill the positions as Phyllis Schaer and Mark Toussaint — the previous position holders — step down but remain active members.
Gaffey has served on the CLA for two years after her first selectman asked her to join. She is tasked with overseeing lake staff and authorities while spearheading long-term strategies for the lake’s preservation. Gaffey said it is a “great responsibility” she welcomes with excitement.
Lake traffic has increased significantly in the last couple of years, according to Gaffey. She looks forward to working with partners in expanding patrol and helping control the lake’s invasive species.
Though Gaffey admits she is “not an expert on the lake” itself, she believes her previous board experience and 25 years of volunteer work will make her an asset to the CLA.
“We need to address how we change, how we handle or mission with the lake,” Gaffey said. “In my experience when people have something so great in their backyard, they tend to forget how important it is and this lake is very important to, not only our local communities but the region also. So it’s a great responsibility.”
In addition to promoting Gaffey and Archer, the board also elected Martin O’Connor — a new delegate from Sherman — as secretary and Brookfield delegate Bill Lohan maintains his position as treasurer.
The Candlewood Lake Authority is comprised of three representatives from each of the five towns surrounding the lake: Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman.