Madru welcomed as new Ellington selectman
Jul. 19—ELLINGTON — The Board of Selectmen appointed Michael Madru to replace Charlotte Ward, who resigned while on maternity leave, at its July 11 meeting.
Madru, a Democrat, will finish the rest of Ward's term, which will end in December 2023.
Madru, a senior operations manager at Cigna, stepped in for Ward once before.
In 2021, Ward challenged First Selectwoman Lori Spielman for her seat, but dropped out of the race for medical and personal reasons. Madru then replaced Ward on the ballot.
Madru was left with only a few weeks to campaign and Spielman was ultimately re-elected for her fourth term after receiving 501 more votes than her challenger.
"I feel very invested in Ellington. I moved here with the thought of spending majority of my adult here and raising my kids here," Madru said.
When Madru ran for first selectman, he said saving taxpayers money, having a transparent and honest government, and giving children the best education possible were some of his goals.
Although he has only lived in Ellington for about three years, his wife has been teaching in Ellington for six years.
Madru believes bringing some variety and a new view of the town to the board will be beneficial, as most of the members are lifelong Ellington residents, he said.
"My whole mindset is less about party lines in municipal politics. I think it's more about what's best for Ellington," Madru said. "I think I can bring a new perspective.
Collin covers East Windsor and Windsor Locks for the Journal Inquirer.
