ENFIELD, CT — Doug Finger, who won a seat on the Enfield Town Council in two successive elections under two different party banners, resigned from his post as District 3 councilor Tuesday, effective immediately.
Finger, an employee of the Enfield Department of Public Works for more than 37 years, told Patch he is stepping down to devote more time to taking care of a family medical situation. He said he informed his fellow council members and Republican Town Committee chair Kelly Hemmeler of his decision last week.
“I want to thank all councilors from all parties for what they’ve done for the town,” Finger said.
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He was originally elected to the council as a registered Democrat, winning an at-large seat in 2021. He became the first active town employee ever elected to the council.
In 2022, he dropped his party connection and served a stint as an unaffiliated councilor.
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“Some of my political views were different than theirs, but when I was asked to vote in ways I didn’t agree with, I couldn’t do that,” he said. “I don’t vote party line.”
Finger became a registered Republican just prior to the 2023 municipal election, in which he successfully ran for the District 3 seat, ousting Democratic incumbent Matt Despard.
“I always stayed true to my words and my honesty,” he said. “I never detoured from what I promised the taxpayers, and I worked for all the taxpayers in town, not just my district.”
Enfield Republican Town Committee chair Kelly Hemmeler told Patch, “After speaking with Councilor Finger [Tuesday], I’m sorry to see him go. Doug has been a pleasure to work with, and I do appreciate all the time and energy he has put into making Enfield a better place. I want to thank Councilor Finger and wish he and his family well.”
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