HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that he’s chosen Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton to be the state’s new tax commissioner.
Boughton, who lost in the 2018 Republican primary in his third run for governor, plans to resign as mayor before taking charge of the state’s Department of Revenue Services on Dec. 18, Lamont said.
Boughton said in a statement that he was “excited about the chance to serve the people” of the state. Legislators still have to sign off on the nomination. In a statement, Democratic leaders applauded Boughton’s selection.
Boughton in his 10th term as mayor, the longest tenure in Danbury’s history, tangled with John Oliver earlier this year over the comedian’s expletive-filled rant against the city on his HBO show.
The clash ended with Danbury renaming its sewage plant “The John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant” after Oliver offered to donate $55,000 to local charities.
“Mark has earned a reputation as being a dedicated public servant and hard worker,” Lamont, a Democrat, said in a statement.
He said Boughton’s experience as mayor would give him a unique perspective on the impact of certain state measures at the local level.
“I firmly believe that a bigger table, open door and creative solutions will help produce the best outcomes for the people of our state, regardless of someone’s political affiliation,” Lamont said.
Boughton, a former high school teacher and member of the U.S. Army Reserve, will replace Scott Jackson, who resigned to accept a role in the administration of New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.
Deputy Commissioner John Biello has been serving as acting commissioner in an interim capacity.
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