Council Chairman to Step Down, Avoid Any Conflict of Interest

After serving Southington as the chairman of the Town Council since 2009, will be stepping aside from politics for a while to prevent any conflict of interest and focus on his new role as captain within the .

Pocock said in a brief telephone interview that the decision would become official later today when it is included on the agenda for the council’s Monday meeting.

“For me, right now, it’s just the right thing to do,” Pocock said. He declined further comment due to work responsibilities, but said he would discuss the decision later today.

John Dobbins, who currently serves as vice chairman of the council, said the decision was Pocock’s and he made it because he did not want any concerns that there might be a conflict of interest between his responsibilities with the police department and those he has as chairman of the council.

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“It’s kind of bittersweet,” Dobbins said Friday morning. “He’s been a great guy to work with. He’s left us in good hands and we will continue to follow the current path, with a focus on improving infrastructure and continuing to grow the economy in town.”

Multiple Republican officials said Friday that they anticipate Dobbins will take over as chairman, although Dobbins would not comment on the matter.

Pocock, 44, has served on the town council since 2007, including as chairman of the council since 2009. He recently received a promotion within the Southington Police Department, however, .

Pocock previously served the town in other capacities as well, acting as a past president of the Board of Water Commissioners and before that spending four years as a member of the .

Brian Callahan, chairman of the Southington Republican Town Committee, could not be reached for comment. Other members of the town committee said there is no definitively selection for Pocock’s seat on the council, but the executive board is currently reviewing candidates. That process has not been completed.

“We are in good position and will have more information at Monday’s meeting,” Dobbins said.

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