Hampton Steps Down, Shannon Knall Appointed to Board of Selectmen

It was a bittersweet moment for members of the Simsbury Board of Selectmen as they bid farewell to Deputy First Selectman John Hampton and welcomed his replacement on the board.

The board voted unanimously Monday night to approve the resignation of John Hampton to be effective January 15, 2013. Hampton, elected to represent Simsbury as state representative for the 16th District in the Connecticut General Assembly, was sworn in to his new position at the state capital on Jan. 9.

“I want to thank you for 9 years of service to the town of Simsbury," First Selectman Mary Glassman said.

Hampton was presented with a framed photo of Eno Memorial Hall in Simsbury by his Republican counterparts on the board as they wished him well in his new role.

Following the approval of Hampton's resignation, the board voted unanimously  to accept the nomination by the Democratic Town Committee to appoint Shannon Knall to complete Hampton's term as selectman.

"The opportunity to serve my community is an honor and I am looking forward to working in partnership with my fellow Selectmen for the benefit of Simsbury," Knall said.

Knall is currently a member of the Simsbury Economic Development Commission and is the host of "The Simsbury Woman," a program on Simsbury Community Television that highlights issues of importance to women.

"Shannon has demonstrated her commitment to public service time and again," Glassman said in a statement. "She has a strong work ethic and is committed to making Simsbury the best it can be. I am thrilled to have her join us on the Board of Selectment."

Knall has been a resident of Simsbury for ten years with her husband Mark and their three children: Jack, Patrick and Jameson. As founder and executive director of the Well Served Tennis Academy, a local tennis camp for autistic children, Knall is a strong advocate for people with disabilities.

Glassman announced her nomination to appoint Selectman Lisa Heavner to replace Hampton as Deputy First Selectman, but accepted the request of Republican board members to postpone the vote until Knall can officially cast a vote.

Knall will be sworn in to office by Carolyn Keily, Simsbury's Town Clerk, on Tuesday January 15, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at town hall.