Hamden council schedules special session to fill two vacancies

The Hamden Village Council announced a special session set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. to consider filling two council vacancies by appointment. The move aims to restore full membership on the council quickly so it can continue handling routine business and represent village interests.

Fiscal Officer Dea Mayle confirmed seven applicants have submitted resumes that council members will review ahead of the meeting. Council members are expected to evaluate candidates' qualifications and make appointments to fill the open seats during the special session. The selection process will determine who joins the body that oversees local ordinances, budget priorities and village services.

For residents, the appointments matter because council composition shapes decisions on local infrastructure, zoning questions and community programming. With two seats vacant, the remaining council has been operating with a reduced quorum, which can slow or limit deliberations. Filling the seats restores the council's ability to spread committee assignments and strengthens representation for Hamden neighborhoods.

The village's decision to appoint rather than hold an immediate special election is consistent with many small municipalities that move quickly to maintain governance continuity. Appointments typically allow councils to fill gaps before the next regular election cycle, though the length of service for appointees can vary depending on local rules. The council will weigh applicants' ties to Hamden, prior civic experience and readiness to serve when making its choices.

Public engagement at the Jan. 15 session could influence perceptions of legitimacy for the new appointees. Residents who want to observe the proceedings or raise questions about qualifications should plan to attend and to bring concise, focused comments if the council's agenda provides a public comment period. The appointments also present an opening for civic-minded residents to get involved in village government, whether by applying for future openings or volunteering on local boards.

The upcoming session is a reminder that local government decisions often happen quickly but carry real consequences for everyday life on the square, at the schools and on village streets. The takeaway? Show up if you care who speaks for Hamden at the council table — attend the Jan. 15 meeting, ask where candidates stand on the issues you care about, and consider whether you might step forward if a future vacancy opens. Our two cents? Local government works best when neighbors take part.