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12/04/2023 10:55 AMCLINTON
After 14 years as a member of Clinton’s top boards, Carol Walter said goodbye at the Nov. 15 Town Council meeting but not without some community members who came to wish her well first.
The opening portion of every Town Council meeting begins with a chance for any visitors to address the council. Usually, no more than one or two members of the public, if any, take the opportunity, but at the Nov. 15 meeting, a crowd turned out to thank Walter for her years of service to the town.
About three dozen citizens, some adorned with blinking lights, came to the meeting to wish Walter well. The one theme that united all the speakers, whether they were members of the Republican Town Committee, family, or friends, was an appreciation for Walter’s many years of service.
Walter was first elected to the Board of Selectman in 2009 and served on that board until 2019. In 2019, the Board of Selectmen was replaced with the Town Council via a change to the town’s charter, and Walter was elected to a four-year term on that board as well, marking a 14-year run as a member of Clinton’s top board. During that time, Walter worked with over 20 different selectmen and council members and noted in an earlier statement that there were very few she couldn’t strike an accord with.
Walter said she would still be around town and might even pop into town hall from time to time, though she did quip she wouldn’t miss the long and sometimes contentious meetings reviewing the Board of Education budget every winter.
Asked about the people who came out to say goodbye, Walter said she was “stunned” and proud to have her family attend the meeting.
“I’m absolutely touched. I’ve been lucky to be able to meet and hear from all these wonderful people over the years. I’ll miss them,” Walter said.
On Election Day, Nov. 7, Walter was defeated in the race for the four open seats on the Town Council by (R) Chris Aniskovich, (D) Hank Teskey, (D) Brian Roccapriore, and (R) Dennis Donovan. Originally, a recount was scheduled between Donovan and Walter, but with a preliminary count showing Donovan with a 10-vote lead, Walter declined to go through with the recount and accepted the results.
In a statement after Election Day, Walter said, “It has been a huge honor and pleasure to serve Clinton. I led with my heart, and I never forgot that I was representing people that couldn’t speak for themselves. My love for Clinton is as great as ever, and thank you to those who will continue to serve. I wish you nothing but the best.”