Former Educator Will Close the Book on His Political Career in November

Francis Walsh’s day usually starts about 7:30 a.m., when he stops by to confer with Anthony “Unk” DaRos about ongoing municipal matters. From there, Walsh heads for the gym. The rest of the day is spent in meetings, talking with local citizens about their concerns and otherwise seeking to fulfill the needs of  Branford as a dedicated public servant.

But Walsh will reconfigure those long days in a few months. He’s decided he won’t seek another term as second selectman this November, when he’ll cap a career as an elected official that will have spanned 14 years.

“It just seems time,” said Walsh, citing personal and business matters requiring his attention. “I’m 72. I just need to free up some time.” That doesn’t mean he’s turning his back on town government, however. “I hope I still will stay involved.”

First elected to office in 1997, Walsh served three terms through 2003. After a four-year hiatus, he was elected again in 2007. It has been the only elected position he’s held. Prior to that, Walsh, a Democrat, hadn’t delved much into politics.

“I was unaffiliated before,” said Walsh, a long-time educator whose stamp on the Branford school system includes a 24-year tenure as a local principal, a nationally recognized teaching concept that emphasizes individualized student learning, and a school named in his honor, . Walsh retired from his education career in 1994. Three years later he threw his hat into the political ring because “it seemed like a way I could give back and keep involved in the community.” At the time, he recalled, “there was a lot going on in the town that seemed negative.” For example, “there was an issue with Tabor. It just didn’t feel like the town was going in the right direction.”

Walsh said the town’s contentious Tabor property acquisition is among the most significant issues he’s had to deal with as a selectman. “Taking the Tabor property is still the most important thing I’ve ever voted on,” he said, adding, “I have a dream it will be a big open space. That’s the dream.”

Another matter that was especially important to Walsh was negative sentiment during a portion of former Branford police chief Robert Gill’s tenure as head of the department, which Walsh considered unfair. Walsh thought a change in the town administration at the time would result in more positive dialogue. “There were some people under attack; that bothered me,” said Walsh. “I felt if I got involved, it would help – and it did.”

An increase in local economic development and a more stable financial situation also are highlights of his terms in office, said Walsh.

“There’s a good balance between the needs of the community and what it can afford,” he said. “I just hope that the town remains on the track it’s going [because] its potential is incredible. There’re lots of businesses coming in, and we have a lot to offer,” including “a good school system and just a beautiful community. When you drive around, I want people to feel pride in this community.”

Walsh especially commended the level of dedication of his fellow civil servants.

“One of the highlights has been working with a great group of town employees who take great pride in what they do,” he said, citing the Branford police and fire departments. “They have an outstanding public safety record and do an awful lot of good things.”

His partnership with DaRos, Walsh said, has helped make the job even more enjoyable.

“I would never run with anybody else.”

But running is behind him now. He looks forward to tending to his antique shop and other business matters, traveling with his wife and spending more time with his children and grandchildren. Leaving the Board of Selectmen will help “just to lighten the load a little,” he said, “just freeing up some time. I’ll manage to keep busy.”