A committee of five people was appointed Tuesday by the Board of Selectman to interview candidates for the job of landuse administrator.

 In a surprise move, the Planning and Zoning Commission chose newly elected Susan Lowenthal as its representative, instead of Chairman Barbara Putnam.  Putnam, a Democrat, has clashed with First Selectman Leo Paul, Jr. over the job description, qualifications, and salary for the position.  Paul and Lowenthal are Republicans.

The change was not the result of a Republican coup.

“I suggested it,” Putnam said Tuesday.  “She’s tough. She’ll be very formidable about getting a very qualified person.  I think she’ll do a very good job.” 

The other members of the committee are: Paul; David Dean, chairman of the Economic Development Commission; Robert Blazek, chairman of the Inland Wetlands Commission, and Richard Ducci, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Paul said he considered appointing either Rev. Robert Tucker or Cleve Fussenich to the committee as citizens-at-large, but Ducci suggested Dean for the spot. 
Before the election, resident T. Dennie Williams suggested Dean would have a conflict of interest if he helped choose someone to enforce regulations against businesses.  Paul told selectmen the decision was up to them.

Selectman Bill Dranginis said he would support Dean’s appointment.

“That’s one of the complaints about the two boards, that they’re not business friendly,” Dranginis said, referring to the Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetland commissions.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Dean.

Paul said the committee will meet next week to begin reviewing applications for the job.  More than 60 people have expressed interest in the position.  The top candidates will be referred to the Board of Selectmen for a vote.

The landuse position has been vacant since September, when Matthew Speck resigned to take a job with Optiwind Corp. in Torrington.  He was paid $46,350.  Paul has said new candidates may be offered salaries that range from 20 percent lower to 10 percent higher than Speck’s salary.

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