NEWINGTON - A longtime local official is taking a hiatus, citing a family member’s health.

       Sharon Braverman, a former Board of Education (BOE) member and second-term Town Councilor, says she’s stepping away to look out for her husband, who suffered a stroke in late 2022. Braverman says that while he’s doing fine, she wanted to play it safe.

       “He’s recovering nicely, but my focus needed to be at home,” Braverman said over the phone. “When I’m on the Council, I want to be able to give it my full attention and I just couldn’t.”

       She’s confident that she’ll return in the future.

       “Absolutely,” Braverman said. “This is a temporary vacation. I’ll run again.”

       Braverman was first elected to the Board of Education 15 years ago, serving on it until 2019.

       “Newington was a great town and they needed someone to take it in a good direction, and I thought I had good ideas,” Braverman said.

       One of those ideas was establishing an early college experience program with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), where she’s Assistant Dean of Outreach and Internships.

       Today, the program serves over 100 Newington students per year.

       “My idea was to get students acquainted with Central because I knew you could get a great education there, but people didn’t always know that,” Braverman says.

       She retired from the Board in 2019, making her first run for Council.

       “I figured I had experience from Board of Ed, and that I could bring that to the Council,” she says.

       She won a seat that year and was reelected in November of 2021.

       Now, she’s stepping away.

       "Sharon's dedication to serving our town is unparalleled. Over her more than 15 years in elective office, she has worked diligently to make our town a better place for every resident, but above all, she has been a champion for our public schools," said Newington Democratic Town Committee (NDTC) Chair John Kelly in a prepared statement. "We're grateful to Sharon and her family for their many years of service, and we wish them well."

       Councilmembers and residents of all political affiliations echoed the sentiment.

       “She’s gonna be missed -- the breadth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding of the process and the system,” said Councilor Tim Manke at the January 24 meeting. “I wish we weren’t even discussing this, and that she was still sitting at the table there.”

       That night, the Council voted to formally accept Braverman’s resignation.

       “I will very regrettably be voting for this. She’s served the town admirably on both the Board of Education and Town Council,” added Deputy Mayor Gail Budrejko. “She has a soft voice and a very calming demeanor, but she makes an impact with her words.”

       Others described Braverman as a mentor.

       “I want to thank you for your wisdom and helping me as a rookie,” said first-term Councilor Mitch Page. “She’s done so much for our town.”

       Fellow first-term councilor Kim Radda says Braverman was a welcome source of wisdom during her first campaign in 2021.

       “She extended her hand in friendship,” Radda said. “I was sad to see her resign but understand her reasoning. We wish them well as they move forward.”