Francis Korn, Longtime Finance Board Chairman in Durham, Steps Down

Francis "Fran" Korn, the town of Durham's longtime finance board chairman, has stepped down.

Korn's decision was a personal one, according to First Selectman Laura Francis, who announced his departure at Monday's board of selectmen meeting.

"A sad day for me," Francis said. "I've been working with Fran Korn in some elected position for the past 21 years and he's certainly been an elected official even longer than that, so it's a great loss to the town."

In addition to leading the town's finance board for many years, Korn previously served on the board of selectmen. He also serves as town historian and as a member of the Durham Historical Society he helped restore the society's headquarters at 38 Townhouse Road.

Korn is also vice president of Durham Manufacturing Company.

On June 18, finance board members elected Loraine Coe to replace Korn as chairman. Coe read the following letter in recognition of Korn into the record:

Fran,

First and foremost, let me say that you will be sorely missed on our Board and primarily as our Chairman. You’ve sat at the helm for more years that I (and I’m sure, you’d) care to remember and have contributed your vast amount of knowledge and expertise. We have benefited from your many years of service to our Town; Board of Finance, as Treasurer, the Historical Society, as Selectman just to name a few.

Over the years, under your leadership, we’ve been able to realize and accomplish many of our goals. We’ve managed to tighten and bring transparency to the overall budgets while keeping a close eye on the overall impact on the Town’s taxes, refurbished the Town Hall, addressed the needs of the Library, the Community/Senior Center, etc to reference a few.

I know that your resignation is bitter-sweet...all around! I know of no one who would travel as far to attend meetings. Your dedication and commitment to this town is exemplary and appreciated far more than you will ever know. We certainly understand your decision and more than anything we wish you the best of everything! Please know that your contributions and spirit will always be an integral part of this Board and for that I want to personally say “thank you”!

Respectfully,

Loraine Coe Board of Finance