Stanford Town Board names Secor to fill vacant seat

STANFORD — When Anne Arent stepped down from the Stanford Town Board, she had two years of her four-year term still to serve, leaving the Town Board to fill that seat.

Selecting from four candidates, Town Supervisor Wendy Burton has reported that the seat will be filled by Theodore “Teddy” Secor. The board made the decision at its Thursday, Jan. 18, meeting.

“With four applicants to choose from, the task wasn’t easy, “said Burton. “After lengthy consideration, we decided to offer the seat to the person we felt had excellent qualifications as well as a proven track record of serving our Stanford community.”

Among his qualifications are being a member of the Lions Club from 2017 to 2020 and the Stanford Grange from 2016 to 2021, as well as being a voting member of the Stanford Recreation Commission, the town’s Haunted Fortress subcommittee and the Climate Smart Communities Task Force. He was secretary of the Conservation Advisory Commission, which he will have to step down from.

Secor has also served as an intake inspector of the Dutchess County Board of Elections as well as election coordinator. When Town Clerk Ritamary Bell took some time off, Secor filled the seat of deputy town clerk.

Added Burton, “Teddy’s service to our town has been exemplary. His commitment to service is undeniable. We believe that including a young member of the community on the Town Board is an excellent investment in Stanford’s future.”

Secor joins incumbent Eric Haims and newly elected Julia Descoteaux and Nathan Lavertue on the board.

Burton thanked the other candidates, and reminded people that since the appointment runs through Dec. 31, and the position will be on the 2024 ballot for a one-year term. Stanford has four Town Board members, and their terms are staggered so that two seats are up for reelection every two years.

The town is currently seeking a secretary for the Zoning Commission. If interested, contact Ritamary Bell at rbell@townofstanford.org