Longtime Monroe Finance Board Chair Michael Manjos Resigns
A strong sense of distrust was felt between the Board of Finance and Board of Education.
MONROE, CT — After 13 years of dedicated service, Board of Finance Chairman Michael Manjos has announced his resignation. Manjos, a father of three, will be relocating to Pennsylvania to be closer to his job as the chief of sales for The 1916 Company, a prestigious watch retailer near Philadelphia.
Manjos moved to Monroe in 1998 to raise his family, and his children attended the local public schools. “A year or two after we moved to town, I saw an ad in the Monroe Courier that the Republican Party was looking for volunteers,” he recalled. “I thought it would be a good way to make friends, and it would be fun — and it really was.”
Career Overview
Manjos first served on the Economic Development Commission, then on the Planning and Zoning Commission for four years. He later became vice-chairman of the Board of Finance under Mark Reed and served as chairman for the last seven or eight years.
Early Challenges and Milestones
Initially, there was significant tension between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education. The finance board insisted that the school board use its reserve funds before requesting more money, leading to deep cuts in educational spending.
Over the years, distrust also extended to the voters, who frequently rejected town budgets, requiring multiple votes each year. Finance Director Ronald Bunovsky Jr. played a crucial role in smoothing these tensions by merging the two finance departments, a move approved by the Town Council in 2021.
“Merging the two finance departments is what really brought everybody together,” said Manjos. “Ron Bunovsky is the perfect person for the job because everyone respects him.”
Improved Relations and Fiscal Health
Recently, Manjos credited Superintendent Joseph Kobza, Board of Education Chairman David Ferris, and the Town Council for improving the budget process. Joint budget meetings helped ensure everyone was aligned, making the process smoother.
“Mike Manjos has been an incredible asset to Monroe,” said Town Council Chairman Jonathan Formichella. “His expertise has helped shape Monroe’s bright future.”
Manjos also faced criticism from within the Republican Party for appointing Democrat John Ostaszewski as vice-chairman of the finance board. “He was a super smart guy and a hard worker,” said Manjos, emphasizing that Ostaszewski was the best man for the job despite the party differences.
Community and Legacy
Manjos received heartfelt tributes from various town officials. First Selectman Terry Rooney called him a “beacon of civility, professionalism, and collaboration,” while his predecessor, Ken Kellogg, reminisced about Manjos’ thoughtful advice and numerous contributions.
“I enjoyed working with everyone in town. It’s the friendships and the teamwork I’ll miss the most,” Manjos said. He is particularly proud of how the Board of Finance managed the transition of Sandy Hook Elementary School students to Chalk Hill after the tragic shooting in 2012.
Manjos leaves the board in a strong position with a AAA bond rating and a solid five-year capital plan. He hopes that Vice Chair Rebecca O’Donnell will succeed him, expressing confidence in her ability to lead.
“Mike Manjos is leaving behind big shoes to fill,” O’Donnell remarked, praising his leadership and consistency.
Manjos’ departure is felt deeply across Monroe, but his contributions set a strong foundation for his successors. “I hope I left it a little better than I got it,” Manjos said, optimistic about the future of the Board of Finance.
