NORTH CANAAN — After a lifetime of public service to the town and people of North Canaan, First Selectman Charles Perotti (R) has announced he will not seek a fourth term this fall.
Perotti was first elected to the role in 2017 following Doug Humes’ departure and has since served three terms as first selectman. Prior to that, Perotti served eight years as second selectman. He was also a long-standing member of the Canaan Fire Company, having joined in 1967 following a major fire in town, and operated as Chief of the department from 1985 to 2005.
Looking back at his long legacy of civil service, Perotti said it was his love for the work that kept him going.
“I just love doing it, you know? But I’m not getting any younger,” said Perotti. “I’ll be 75 in December and I’ve done it all my life.”
While reviewing his tenure as first selectman, Perotti highlighted the replacement of Toby Hill Bridge and the repaving of numerous roads in North Canaan among his greatest accomplishments.
“The bridge was in dire need and we got it done,” said Perotti.
Perotti also expressed pride over the revitalization of downtown North Canaan as businesses have opened up in the village.
“The brewery is great. We got the railroad station done and the accordion [museum] is in there. So that’s bringing people in. It’s the attractions. And a new restaurant is going to be coming in,” said Perotti.
His time as first selectman also spanned the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perotti recalled the challenges that came with shepherding the town through a period of great uncertainty.
“It was stressful. We did clinics here for COVID and we fought to get them here with Torrington Area Health,” said Perotti on the struggle of setting up the initial vaccination station outside North Canaan Town Hall. “We had over 500 people the first time. I was sat there the whole day.”
Perotti said there is still work to be done before he departs later this year. One such project is a collaboration with the state to improve parking in the center of town.
“They’re going to be upgrading all the parking signs on Railroad Street and Main Street.” he said.
At present, Perotti is focused on getting the town through budget season. He is optimistic he can get this year’s proposal passed and is pleased to be able to offer a reduced mill rate.
What’s next for Perotti? He said he is looking forward to spending more time with family, completing home projects, and continuing to work in his plumbing shop that was founded by his father in 1928.
“I want to make some new stuff. So I’ll have more time for that and I still go to work at my shop at six in the morning,” said Perotti, who has worked in the family plumbing business since he graduated high school in 1966. William Perotti & Sons Inc. is run by Charles and his brother, Frank, who has worked there since 1954.
Perotti said he is looking forward to continuing the tradition of grand holiday motifs at his home each December.
“It’s getting a little older to carry the stuff out, but you know the kids are getting pretty good now,” said Perotti on decorating the house and yard with his grandchildren. “It’s well worth it. I know the Geer bus comes up every year. This year they asked if they could drive through my circle driveway, I said, yeah, why not? That’s what it’s for.”
Perotti’s advice for the next first selectman was to “have an open door and don’t commit to something you’re not going to be able to work through.” He added that it is important to listen to both sides of any issue and “treat everybody fairly.”
