MIDDLEBURY — Ann Lafiandra’s brief tenure as a Middlebury selectwoman began Tuesday evening, when the board picked her to temporarily fill a vacancy left by Victor Nuovo, who resigned last month.
The board gave Lafiandra the nod over the other applicant, Chris Zeoli, who had recently been appointed tree warden.
Lafiandra will serve roughly three weeks on the board until March 4, when the remaining year on Nuovo’s term will be contested by Selectman Dean George and resident Heather Seeley. Six other candidates will vie for two additional three-year terms on the board.
Lafiandra and Zeoli had served notice they would not be running in the March 4 elections, a condition the selectboard had placed on their selection for the interim post.
An active volunteer with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and in local recreation efforts, Lafiandra said she applied for the interim spot in order to help her community.
“My principal goal was to have this vacant seat occupied,” Lafiandra said. “There was no ulterior motive. I’m just there to help. I think the board should be fully represented.”