CHESHIRE, CT — Longtime Republican Councilman Paul Bowman abruptly resigned from the Town Council this week, citing "continued harassment" against him and his family, according to the Meriden Record-Journal. Bowman, who served on the council for 12 years – including 11 as vice chairman, submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday night.

At the end of Tuesday night's meeting, Bowman informed the council that he had just delivered a letter to the Town Clerk's Office with formal notification that he was resigning his seat on the council. He read his letter into the record of the meeting, saying "volunteering in the Cheshire Community sometimes comes at a price that he and his family are no longer willing to pay," according to minutes of the meeting. As a public official, Bowman said his hands have been tied and not afforded him the opportunity to react and respond to defend his family's name. Bowman thanked his council colleagues, elected officials, volunteers and town employees for giving "so much of their time for the greater good of Cheshire." He also thanked the electors who had confidence in him to elect him to represent them in the council seat for many years.

Council Chairman Rob Oris said he was disappointed but understood Bowman's position. He said it was a "huge loss to the community" and acknowledged the time Bowman has given to the community. Oris said he's not convinced the community "truly understands the time and effort it takes to do the job of a councilor well," according to meeting minutes. Oris also commented on the partisan politics on the national scene, which he said is creeping down to Cheshire and "is disgusting." Oris said he has tried to lead the council in a partisan and collaborative manner and the "reality is that Cheshire's Town Council works hard and has a history of doing that."

Oris thanked Bowman for his service and reiterated his resignation is a huge loss for the Cheshire community. Luther Turmelle of the New Haven Register reports Bowman and his family have faced personal attacks on social media for years. Bowman, a developer, told Turmelle that his decision to resign was cemented by negative comments that were recently made at a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing that involved plans for additional lots at Clearview Farm Preserve.

The council has 60 days from Bowman's resignation date to approve the appointment of another town Republican to fill the vacancy, according to the Meriden Record-Journal. Oris has the authority to fill the vacancy without a full council vote if the council can't come to an agreement on the appointment within 60 days.