Woodbridge Dems Nominate First Selectman After Sheehy's Sudden Passing

The Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee Thursday nominated its candidate for First Selectman in the wake of the death of interim Democratic candidate Edward Maum Sheehy, who passed away suddenly at the age of 73 earlier this week.

Ellen Scalettar, a former state representative for the 114th District representing Woodbridge, Orange and Derby, is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the May 6 election.

"Earlier this evening, by acclamation, the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee nominated Ellen Scalettar to be its candidate," DTC Chairman Laurence Grotheer wrote in an email to Bethwood Patch late Thursday.

"Ellen is currently the policy director for the president of the state Senate; she is a former assistant state treasurer … and she served with Ed Sheehy on the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen from 2006 until 2008," Grotheer said.

Click here for Scalettar's full biography, provided by Grotheer.

In a separate meeting Thursday night, the Board of Selectman unanimously appointed Beth Heller to fill the vacancy caused by Sheehy's death, Gerry Shaw, executive assistant to the BOS, tells Patch.

"Ms. Heller has been a member of the Board of Selectman since December 2008," Shaw wrote in an email. Heller will serve as interim First Selectman until June 30. On July 1, the winner of the May 6 election takes over for a two-year term.

Sheehy's funeral is Saturday. Friends may call on Friday, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church of Woodbridge. In observance, Woodbridge Town Hall will close at 2:30 p.m. Friday.