Council Welcomes New Assessor
NEWINGTON - The Town Council welcomed the new Town Assessor at Tuesday night’s meeting-less than a month after Steve Juda ended his 12-year tenure with the Newington staff.

       Town Manager Tanya Lane introduced Steve Kosofsky, the former Town Assessor for Windsor-a positon he held for 31 years before taking a position consulting a software company.

       â€"I’ve got some huge shoes to fill, I realize that. I will do the best job I possibly I can,” Kosofsky said in a brief statement during the meeting.

       Juda, who officially retired earlier this month, garnered praise from town officials and members of the public alike on his way out.

       Juda’s 30-year career included stops in Windsor, New Haven, and Shawmut/Fleet Bank-where he served as Senior Real Estate Appraiser and Director of real estate market research.

       Juda was recognized by the Town Council at its September 27 regular meeting.

       â€"This means a lot to me,” Juda said of the proclamation, which recognized his years of service to the town, as well as numerous awards he has received throughout his career. â€"It’s been a tremendous pleasure to have served the town of Newington. Newington is full of great residents. It’s just time to change that chapter in the book, but I hold nothing but fond memories.”

       Town residents, as well as both former and current public officials were happy to share them, coming up one by one to heap praise on Juda and thank him for his work.

       â€"Any problem that any resident had, he would drop anything, take care of it,” said former Mayor Rodney Mortensen. â€"Steve always had the best of Newington in his heart. It wasn’t just a job.”

       Town resident John Bachand had similar thoughts.

       â€"That whole department has just been incredible,” Bachand said. â€"I hope they find someone to equal Steve.”

       While in Newington, Juda oversaw three revaluations, the integrated new appraisal software technology into the Department twice, and helped to establish a tax relief program for elderly residents.

       His accolades include the Distinguished Service Award and Connecticut Assessor of the Year.

       â€"I’ve only been around here for three years, and I’ve gotta say, I’ve never met anyone who can make assessments and taxes exciting, and explain it where it’s understandable,” said Councilor Jim Marocchini.

      
STORY BY MARK DIPAOLA   |  Oct 19 2016  |  COMMENTS?