Ward 3 Councilor Doug Finger has resigned from the Enfield City Council

ENFIELD, CT — Doug Finger, who won a seat on the Enfield City Council in two consecutive elections under two different party banners, resigned as District 3 councilman on Tuesday, effective immediately.

Finger, an employee of the Enfield Public Works Department for more than 37 years, told Patch he is quitting to devote more time to tending to a family medical situation. He said he informed his fellow council members and Republican Town Committee Chair Kelly Hemmeler of his decision last week.

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“I want to thank all the councilors of all parties for what they have done for the city,” Finger said.

He was originally elected to the council as a registered Democrat, winning an at-large seat in 2021. He became the first active city employee ever elected to the council.

In 2022, he renounced his party and served for a time as an unaffiliated councillor.

“Some of my political views were different from theirs, but when I was asked to vote in ways I didn’t agree with, I couldn’t do it,” he said. “I don’t vote the party line.”

Finger became a registered Republican just before the 2023 municipal election, in which he successfully ran for the District 3 seat, unseating incumbent Democrat Matt Despard.

“I have always stayed true to my words and my honesty,” he said. “I’ve never shied away from what I promised the taxpayers, and I’ve worked for all the taxpayers in the city, not just my neighborhood.”

Enfield GOP Chairwoman Kelly Hemmeler told Patch, “After speaking with Councilman Finger (Tuesday), I’m sorry to see him go. Doug was a pleasure to work with and I appreciate all the time and energy he put in. to make Enfield a better place, I want to thank Councilor Finger and wish him and his family the best of luck.