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Former Hartford Mayor Perez Resigns From School Board

By JENNA CARLESSO

July 01, 2010

Wrapping up his formal involvement in the city's operations, former Mayor Eddie A. Perez has resigned from the city's board of education and school building committee.

His letter of resignation was submitted to the office of Town and City Clerk John V. Bazzano Wednesday at 3:49 p.m.

"Per advice of corporation counsel, this shall also serve as official notice of resignation from any and all other public offices to which I had been elected and/or appointed during my tenure as an elected official," Perez wrote. "It has been an honor to serve the people of Hartford in these capacities and I am proud of the progress that we made."

Mayor Pedro E. Segarra said Thursday that he's not sure if he will take over the board of education seat for the remainder of the term, which runs through Jan. 31, 2012.

"These are extremely important appointments and deserve much thought and consideration," Segarra said in a statement. "I will educate myself on the responsibilities of these positions, refer back to the legislative history regarding this authority of the appointments, and in the event I choose not to be the member, I will meet with educational leaders, the community and candidates to make the best selection."

Perez had appointed himself to the board of education and was elected chairman in December 2005. Ada Miranda replaced Perez as chairman in February 2009.

The former mayor also served as chairman of the school building committee before turning the position over to former school official John Motley, also in February 2009.

Miranda said Thursday that Perez's resignation was expected.

"He was an exemplary board member. Even though he was mayor and had all these obligations, you could tell education was a priority," she said.

Miranda said she did not know of anyone who had expressed interest in the school board seat. She said she wasn't aware of any time limit in appointing the new member.

"It's not something you rush into. It's a very important appointment," she said.

Miranda said she sent a letter to Segarra Wednesday asking to meet with him about school board matters.