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07/10/2015 04:05 PMAfter more than 25 years of service, Ellsworth "Mac" McGuigan's last official duty as chairman of Branford's Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) was his vote in favor of Costco, backing what he termed a difficult and controversial decision.
With that, immediately following the 3-2 decision, McGuigan employed his trademark grace and good humor in announcing the expected news that he'd retire from the commission. McGuigan thanked the commission's other four voting members and also the PZC's alternate members for their input on the Costco decision, saying he hoped the public realized the months-long process has been a "very difficult time for the commission." He also thanked the town's legal and planning and zoning staffs for input assisting with the long process.
McGuigan then passed the chairman's gavel to PZC Secretary Charles "Chuck" Andres to continue the remainder of the July 9 meeting.
"I would like to bid, those at the dais and the town of Branford...goodbye. And say goodbye to 'Mr. Mac', he's going to fade off into the sunset," said McGuigan, receiving standing ovation from the large assemblage of audience members.
"Mac, you've been the face of our commission for over a quarter century. You certainly have been involved in everything, " Andres said, noting his work experience with other town PZCs has shown him that Branford has a "unique commission" made better by McGuigan's leadership, adding, "...you have never looked at party affiliation. It's always been what's good for Branford and doing your best, and that ethos is evident here today. We had a divided vote, but so what -- everyone's acting in good faith and you made that spirit happen. You brought common sense and wisdom to this commission."
"I thank you very much, but you left out humor," McGuigan replied, to laughter. "I hope that everybody realized (some of) my comments to the audience is meant to be funny -- sometimes they don't make it! I love you all."