Selectmen Weigh Golf Course Honor for Dickman

The town's Board of Selectmen on Wednesday considered naming a town facility after the late Carl J. Dickman, a former selectman and state representative who served the town for nearly 40 years in elective office.

The idea that seemed to gain the most favor among the three selectmen was naming the H. Smith Richardson Golf Course's clubhouse or driving range after Dickman, who loved to play golf and who served as both president and vice president of the H. Smith Richardson Golf Club.

First Selectman Ken Flatto said Dickman, who served as a selectman from 1977 to 1993 under former First Selectmen John J. Sullivan and Jacquelyn C. Durrell, was one of the longest-serving members on the board. Dickman, from 1994 to 2004, served as a state representative for the 132nd state House District, which is entirely within Fairfield. He also served on the town's Zoning Board of Appeals from 1967 to 1977 and on the town's Water Pollution Control Authority while he was a selectman.

"He really is somewhat unique in having both local and state elective service," Flatto said, adding that Dickman, who died Jan. 30 at the age of 84, had "an impeccable record" and was "a consummate gentleman."

Board of Finance Chairman Tom Flynn said Dickman's impact extended beyond his elective service - and even his life - because many elected officials learned parliamentary procedure that governs meetings and a spirit of bipartisanship from Dickman. Dickman was known for conducting seminars on "Robert's Rules of Orders" for newly-elected officials.

Flynn thought naming a facility at the H. Smith Richardson Golf Course would be a fitting tribute because Dickman loved to play golf.

Town Clerk Betsy Browne, a close friend of Dickman's, thought naming a facility at the 18-hole golf course in the town's Hoyden's Hill neighborhood was a good idea because it would be something used by many residents in the town.

Roger Autuori, the Republican registrar of voters, agreed. "I would think that something up at the golf course would really be what he would want since he would go up there and have fond memories," he said.

Dickman used to go to the course early in the morning to ensure a tee time and Autuori said Dickman missed the camaraderie of early-morning golfers after the town decided to let golfers reserve tee times by phone.

"He often spoke about his love of golf," said Selectman James Walsh. "I would like to explore something up at the golf course."

The golf course itself already is named, but Flatto said the clubhouse, which is due for a major renovation or replacement, and the driving range are not named. Flatto said he would send a letter to the town's Golf Commission about the idea and said he would like residents to suggest ideas and offer input as well.